Mary Louise Penner, 81, of Wasco, California, died Sunday, September 18, of complications with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia). Mary Lou was born the only child to Evelyn and Jack Williams, Aug. 3, 1930, in Maywood, CA. Evelyn's family, the F.C. Penners, were long-time farmers in Wasco. Jack began evangelical ministry in the U.S. and Europe in the 40's so Mary Lou and her Mother moved to Wasco and built a home on Adams Street on a lot that Evelyn had purchased as a teenager. Mary Lou graduated from Wasco Union High School in 1948. She married her high school sweetheart John Lee Penner in 1948 and they lived together in a house Johnnie built in rural Maple before relocating to Wasco in 1969. Mary Lou was very active in Chorus at WUHS under the direction of high school music teacher Ruth Grisso. Mary Lou used her voice as a blessing and ministry for radio show "Help From Heaven" on local KWSO AM 1050 which carried her father's weekly sermons. Mary Lou became an active member of the First Baptist Church where she regularly accompanied the choir on the piano and was also a soloist. At the piano, she often accompanied her husband Johnnie as he lead the Sunday evening song service and played the trumpet. Mary Lou was also very active in charity. Nationally recognized by the PTA, she set record fundraising for the Maple School District where she served several terms as President. After raising four sons, Mary Lou returned to the workforce as an apparel salesperson at Sears in the Bakersfield Valley Plaza and later at local Janzen's Drug Store where she enjoyed greeting customers and selling gift items. Her warm smile and listening ear comforted almost all she encountered. Mary Lou is survived by her husband of 63 years Johnnie, four sons and wives: Priscilla & J. Victor; Hanako & Phil of Kurume City, Fukuoka prefecture, Japan; Jacqui & Mark of Tustin; and Kendra & Skip of Shafter. She is survived by six grandchildren: Jarrod Vincent, Stephanie Elizabeth, Elizabeth Laurel, Katelyn Maria, Korey Lance and John Lowell "Jack". She was preceded in death by one great-grandchild Cobyn Alexander Penner-Criner. A viewing will be held between 2:00p.m.to 8:00p.m. Friday, September 23, and again 8:30a.m. to 9:30a.m. on Saturday, September 24, at Peters Funeral Home in Shafter. Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 24, at Shafter Memorial Park.