Mary Louise Ladd Holton

Mary Louise Ladd Holton, 89 of Abilene, passed away Saturday, September 25, 2010 at a local nursing center. A service is scheduled for 2:00 pm Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at Piersall Benton Chapel, 733 Butternut St. A time of visitation with the family will be held at the funeral home after the service.

Mary Louise Ladd was born to James Luther and Dollie Mae Ladd in Sherman, Texas on October 25, 1920. Mary Lou grew up on a farm established by her grandfather and after leaving home, she continued to be actively involved in caring for the land throughout her life. She attended school in Sherman and fell in love with the son of her preacher, Robert W. (Bob) Holton whom she later married, spending almost 60 years together until his death in 1996. After graduating from Sherman High School, she went on to Texas Women's University in Denton, Abilene Christian College, and later received a degree in Early Childhood Education from TWU.

Bob and Mary Lou lived in southern California for 20 years where Bob worked in the radio and television industry, including portraying Christ in two motion pictures, “I Beheld His Glory” and “Day of Triumph”. They would later move to Abilene in the mid-60’s where Bob worked with the Herald of Truth, and then to Dallas where he continued work in radio and television. They were active members of the churches of Christ throughout their lives.

Mary Lou’s degree in Early Childhood served her well as she reared a son and a daughter…18 years apart. She would often joke about the fact that it took her 36 years to raise two children. After her children were grown, she took a position on the Council for Early Childhood Development out of Washington, D.C., traveling all over the country to assess teachers at child care centers who were seeking professional certification. She was a staunch advocate for pre-school aged children, particularly those from under-resourced backgrounds. During the late 60’s she co-authored “How Wonderfully God Made Me”, a Bible school curriculum for young children, and was a keynote speaker for many workshops.

Surviving Mary Lou are her children Ladd Holton and wife Susie of Ft. Worth, and Mary Lee Mattis and husband Charles of Abilene, four grandchildren; Diana and husband Doak Raulston, Amy and husband Arthur Fields, Caroline Mattis, and Holton Mattis, five great-grandsons and a sister Joan Ladd Everheart. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Robert Holton.

Donations may be made in honor of Mary Lou to the Children’s Ministry at the Highland Church of Christ. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.