She was born January 29,1930 in Des Moines, Iowa to Elna and Ingvald Kleaveland. Her formative years were spent in Detroit and in St. Joseph, Michigan
where she graduated from High School in 1948. She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Charisse M. Halstad who passed in 2011, her husband Rod in 2016, and her brother Leonard Kleaveland.
Mary Lou graduated from Michigan State with a BS degree majoring in Physical Education and minoring in Art and Social Studies. Mary Lou taught in Litchfield, Covert, Bangor and Hillsdale, Michigan and was respected and admired by staff that she worked with and garnered the same appreciation from her students. A dedicated educator, she always looked for creative ways to add to the curriculum, infusing her enthusiasm for the natural world into her classes. She will be remembered for her wit, creativity, sense of humor and sharing her knowledge and varied interests with all.
Mary Lou married Roderick Carl Halstad, who had moved to Saint Joseph during their Senior year of High School, on February 9, 1952 at Saron Lutheran Church in St Joseph, Michigan.
While living in Hillsdale, Mary Lou and Rod started “Tin Pie Bird Antiques” dealing in Early American Country Furniture and Primitives. They enjoyed buying, collecting, and selling in Ann Arbor and Allegan. She also earned an Auctioneer’s License from the State of Indiana.
Over the years, Mary Lou loved long drives with Rod, usually ending up at Lake Michigan. She appreciated her friends, enjoyed playing cards, cats, feeding the squirrels daily, rock hounding, camping and antiquing.
Service will be held Monday, May 18, 2026 at Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 06321 Blue Star Memorial Highway, South Haven, Michigan 49090, at 11 :00 a.m. Pastor Travis Wilson will officiate.
Friends wishing to make a memorial contribution could do so to Howard Christensen Nature Center16190 Red Pine Drive NW, Kent City, MI 49330 or to Isle Royale National Park, 800 East Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931. To those who choose to leave a memory or condolence please visit: www.starksfamilyfh.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.