Mary Lou Hites (56) of Effingham

Mary Lou Hites, age 56, of Effingham, Illinois passed away at 11:55 a.m. Sunday, April 12, 2020 at her home in Effingham, Illinois, surrounded by her loving family.

There will be a viewing from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15 at Pagel Funeral Homes in Edgewood, Illinois. Due to the current COVID-19 limitations, only 10 people will be allowed in the building at a time. There will be a private graveside service Thursday, April 16 at Brown Cemetery in rural Edgewood, Illinois. There will be a Facebook Live stream of both services for those not able to attend. Memorials may go to Small Cell Cancer Research, American Cancer Society, or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.

Mary was born on May 31, 1963 in Macon County, Decatur, Illinois, the daughter of Robert Eugene Miller Sr. and Leona Mae (Bruce) Miller. She married James “Jim” Hites on November 1, 1980 in Effingham, Illinois. Mary loved her job as the meat manager at Save-A-Lot in Effingham for 25 years. She enjoyed making flower arrangements, collecting angels, attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, and spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Hites of Effingham, Illinois; son, Matt “Rusty” Hites (wife Natasha) of Effingham, Illinois; brother, Robert Eugene “Bobby” Miller Jr. (wife Rhonda) of Effingham, Illinois; Sandra Shields of Effingham, Illinois; five grandchildren, Matthew Russell Hites II, Marcus John Hites, Trevor Lee Schmohe, Alex Schmohe, Mackynzie Faye Hites.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Eugene Miller Sr. and Leona Mae Miller: daughter, Jamie Lynn Schmohe; and sister, Connie Clark.