Mary Lou Briles
March 19, 1937 — March 03, 2025
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Service Details
Mary Lou Briles, 87, passed away March 3, 2025.
Mary Lou was born March 19, 1937 in Des Moines to DL and Thelma (Dawson) Brubaker. She retired from the Des Moines Public School District as an office manager after many years of faithful service. Mary Lou was an extremely active member of Park Avenue Presbyterian Church, and proudly held the title of the longest attending member. She enjoyed quilting and watching wildlife in their backyard. Above all else, Mary Lou treasured time spent with her family, friends, and her grandchildren.
Mary is survived by her loving husband of almost 70 years, Marvin; children, Stephen (Christina) Briles, John (Penni) Briles and Ellyn Briles; grandchildren, Benjamin (Taylor), Collin, Danielle and Darian; great-grandchildren, Emmett and Ellie; and her brother, Bill Brubaker.
She was preceded in death by her parents, DL and Thelma Brubaker and her brother, Darrell Brubaker.
The family will greet friends Monday, March 10, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Mary will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa in loving memory of Mary Lou.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Cindy Enlsow-McAninch
03/10/2025
My deepest sympathy on the passing of Mrs.Briles. She was always so kind. Our girls have fond memories of her from Jefferson and she often visited with my mother during her illness. May your memories comfort you during this difficult time, until you meet again. Peace
ShelliBackstrom
03/07/2025
I am so sorry to hear of your loss-Mary Lou was “one of a kind”-how fortunate our children were to have known her. (They attended Jefferson Elementary School). She had a special way with children. My Father-in-law attended Lincoln High School with Mary Lou and they worked together often on reunion projects - what a very special person she was. I hope the many happy memories you have will help in difficult days ahead
Jill Boyles
03/07/2025
Dear Ellyn and Family,
I am so sorry to learn of your mom's passing. It's so difficult to lose our mom. Sending many thoughts and prayers your way. May God hold you ever so tightly as you navigate this journey of sorrow. Blessings and love my friend!
Ron Briles Jr.
03/06/2025
Aunt Moe, may God put his hands on you, release all your pain and lead you in a pain free eternity. I am glad I was able to talk to you a few weeks ago on the phone during the time you had called Mom. I know Mom will miss your conversations as we will miss you. May God bless you and all Family and Friends. We Love you. Mae and Randy.
Linda Eliason
03/06/2025
Ellyn I recd your mother’s obituary from Angie. She obviously was a loving and caring person and you will have many wonderful memories to sustain you in the years ahead. My sympathies.
Linda
Tracy Gardner
03/05/2025
Oh this makes me so sad! Mrs. Briles was the secretary at Wright Elementary when I attended. She was always so very kind!
My mom had to do clinical at the hospital for college and had to leave at around 5am. She would wake me up early and get me ready then I was responsible for getting off to school at the right time. Often I fell back asleep before it was time to leave. Mrs. Briles knew the situation and would call our house in the morning to wake me up if I overslept and was late. She was always so kind about it - I dont know if she knew our situation or not but remember her calls. "Tracy, did you fall back asleep? We miss you at school!" I'd frantically grab my stuff and run out the door and walk to school, arriving 30 or so minutes late - and she never said anything even remotely negative about it and always told me she was glad I was there.
In 1987 I was chosen as a foreign exchange stufent representing DMPS in Kofu, Japan. My family didn't have a lot of money and it was tough but somehow mom made the trip happen. Knowing this, and if I remember correctly having been to Japan herself, Mrs. Briles called me into the office one day, pulled out her purse, and gave me a crisp $20 bill. She told me to use it towards my trip and to 'buy something fun '
I'm 48 now and have never forgotten that moment, or her.
I'm saddened to hear of her passing, but know without a doubt she was welcomed into heaven with open arms.
Thank you Mrs. Briles for believing in me. It really made a difference in my life, even now, 30+ years later.
Sondra Robbins
03/05/2025
She will always be "Moe" to me. How I love our memories and so many laughs we shared. Our travel trip to Colorado I know was a special time for all five of us. So many stories to tell. RIP my friend! I will miss you...