Mary Lou Cunningham

Mary Lou (Rodriguez) Cunningham, 79, of Clyde, Ohio, passed away on July 19, 2025, at Tiffin St. Francis Senior Ministries. Born Maria de la Luz Rodriguez on December 11, 1945, in Laredo, Texas to Enrique & Martina Rodriguez. She was affectionately known as "Mary Lou" to some of her friends and family. 

During her childhood, Mary Lou's family relocated to Clyde, where she attended Townsend School and graduated from Clyde High School Class of 1964. She married Larry Cunningham on September 5, 1973, and together they raised two daughters, Victoria Jo (Todd) Schmitz and Connie Colleen Wilson, both of Clyde.

Mary had a strong work ethic throughout her life. She worked at Peter Eckrich for 21 years until its closure, then at Walmart before being employed by the City of Clyde in various positions, including Police Dispatcher. Later, she joined the Sandusky County Sheriff's Department, where she loved her job as a County 911 Dispatcher until her retirement.

Mary enjoyed cooking, talking about food and recipes, and sharing her Mexican heritage cooking with friends and family. She was an avid cake baker and decorator, creating custom cakes for birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations. For many years, she, along with her husband and sister, coached numerous softball teams and served as past presidents of Clyde Little League. Mary enjoyed traveling with her family and made many memories on family vacations.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, demonstrated through her dedication at Clyde St. Mary's Catholic Church. She volunteered for fundraisers, fish fries, and bingo, read at Mass, and helped with RCIA classes. She served on numerous boards and cherished her church community. Mary Lou was also a member of the Clyde Eagles and enjoyed working at the voting polls.

Mary’s sense of humor and quick wit made her a good time to be around, whether at a bingo table, during a backyard family game, or on a bus trip with friends. She spent many years helping with her grandchildren, attending all their events, never missing a sporting event, dance recital, or a chance to take them to a garage sale. Her siblings were very important to her, and she cherished their sibling days spent playing games and her special sister Christmas get-togethers. Mary Lou loved music, sweet treats, and her family. Her grandchildren always loved time spent with their grandma even when dementia was at its worst Mary would light up seeing the kids and always called them by full names: Maryah Martina Schmitz, Christian-Todd Keegan Schmitz, Valkeiry Lara Wilson, and Draven Alexzander Wilson. She was also blessed with her first great-grandbaby, Ezra Todd Margarum. 

 Along with her own children Mary is survived by her step children Kimberly Ludwig and Chad (Liza) Cunningham and grandchildren; Ashley and Samantha Ludwig, Joshua, Jarrod and Tiffany Escobedo, Tyrese Fisher and Morgan Cunningham, all of Fremont, Oh; Her brother, Enrique (Mary) Rodriguez, Bay Village, Oh; her sisters, Jovita Rodriguez, Lupe (Arnold) Tijerina, and Janie (Rick) Runion; sister-in-law, Patricia Rodriguez, all of Clyde; Many nieces and nephews.

 She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; brother, Jose Rodriguez; nephew, Israel Rodriguez; and stepdaughter, Laurie Cunningham.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Clyde St. Mary's Catholic Church, 609 Vine St., Clyde, with burial to follow at McPherson Cemetery. A luncheon at St. Mary's will be held immediately after the burial.

 Memorial donations in Mary Lou's memory may be made to Caring for Clyde Kids, PO BOX 301, Clyde, OH 43410, or Clyde St. Mary's Catholic Church, 609 Vine St., Clyde, OH 43410.

 Her family extends their gratitude to Tiffin St. Francis Senior Ministries, where she resided in recent years. They offer special thanks to the Chiara Memory Care Unit, volunteers, and all staff for the love, superior care, and time they blessed Mary with. Special thanks are also extended to her good friend, AnnMarie, for her continued support and weekly visits.