Mary Lou Hymas

Mary Lou Peterson Hymas, age 79, passed awayon June 11, 2025 at The Gables Assisted Living Center surrounded by loved ones. Mary Lou was the youngest child born to Melvin Peterson and Arvilla Sorenson Peterson on January 24, 1946 in Ovid, Idaho. The family lived on the ranch down by the Bear River in the summer and stayed at their home in Ovid during the winter.

Mary Lou was raised and educated in Ovid graduating high school in 1964. After graduating from high school, she began her professional career at First Security Bank. She enjoyed working in the bank and helping people with their banking needs. It was while she was working in the bank that a young gentleman came in andcaught her eye, Michael Hymas. It didn’t take long until they were dating pretty steady and he finally ask for her hand in marriage. They were sealed together in the Logan Utah Temple. Mike was the love of Mary Lou’s life.

They lived in Montpelier for a short time and then relocated to Pocatello where Mike accepted a job for Simplot. They bought their first home at 741 Bonanza Ave in Chubbuck in 1981 where they currently lived until about a month ago when they moved to the assisted living facility to receive more care. Their life together has been filled with adventure and companionship.

Travel was a shared passion for Uncle Mike andAunt Mary Lou. From the rugged beauty of Alaska, where they visited her brother and sister in law DeVearl and Louise Peterson, to the tropical shores of Hawaii, and across the Atlantic to explore the historic charm of Europe—especially the city of Paris—they made memories that would become treasured stories.

Later in life, she faced the profound challenge of macular degeneration, which ultimately took her vision. She made the difficult decision to leave her job but met this new chapter of life withdetermination. Despite losing her sight, she never lost her spirit. She courageously adapted, learning to navigate a world of darkness with incredible strength and grace. Even though she could not see well, she could navigate her home and find what she needed rather quickly.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Arvilla and Melvin Peterson; her brother and his wife, DeVearl and Louise Peterson; her infant brother Neal Peterson; her sisters and their spouses, Winnetta and Alvin Parker; Genean and Ray Matthews; Renee and Bill Whitehead.

She is survived by her beloved husband Michael E, Hymas; many nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever loved.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 1 pm at the Ovid Cemetery.