Lou Mercier, 88, passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2017, in the arms of her family at River Ridge Assisted Living, South Haven, Michigan.

Lou Hoover Stafford was born on Election Day, November 7th, 1928, to T. P. and Laura Stafford of Port Arthur, Texas, arriving in time to celebrate her sister Evelyn's fifth birthday. Lou's unusual name was always a conversation starter, a result of her father's decision to name her after the new First Lady.

In 1936 Lou's mother passed away and her aunt and uncle, Nina and Clyde Defrates, Sr. and their son Clyde became her second family.

After graduating in 1947 from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, she moved to Michigan City, Indiana to be close to her sister Evelyn's growing family.  The family rented the second floor of the Mercier home and on July 24, 1951 Lou married the Mercier's son, Dorais Mercier.

Lou and Dorais moved to southwestern Michigan where they raised one daughter, Kay; they were married for 41 years.  Following the death of her husband in 1993 Lou moved to St. Louis, Missouri to be close to her daughter's family and to help with the family business.

Lou's life revolved around service to her family, her faith, her friends, and community.  She was a dedicated volunteer at Berrien General Hospital (Berrien Center), The Scholarshop (St. Louis), and St. Mary's Hospital (St. Louis).  A life-long Lutheran, Lou sought out a new church with each move and engaged in all aspects of church life; she especially enjoyed the alter guild.  Her friends knew they could count on her.   She was joyful and full of 'southernisms' that lightened every day.  Most of all she was the ultimate mom, grandmother and mother-in-law who was always there pitching in, cheering on, and cleaning up.

Lou is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kay and Richard Kobetz; beloved granddaughter, April Kobetz; Clyde Defrates, Jr., Evie (Tom) Craig, Dick (Barb) Craig; and Joe (June) Craig.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a nephew, Mike Craig and her sister Evelyn Craig.

In keeping with Lou's wishes, there will be no funeral service.

Lou was lovingly cared for by the staff at River Ridge who gave her dignity comfort, and spiritual support.   In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the Employee Fund at River Ridge Assisted Living, 706 Kentucky Avenue, South Haven, Michigan  49090.