Mary Lou Birchard

Mary Lou Birchard, 87, of Franklin, passed away on Friday, August 10th, 2018 at The Caring Place in Franklin.Born on June 11th, 1931, she was the loving daughter of Sylvester L. Sutton and Ethel E. (Miller) Foote. She was married to Robert C. Fike and then married Virgil Birchard, they both preceded her in death.Mary Lou worked as a Resident Service Aide at Polk Center for 19 years until her retirement in 1991. She was also the "Avon Lady", selling Avon makeup products to her friends and family for over 25 years.When she wasn't working, Mary Lou enjoyed the simple things in life, like reading and completing puzzles. She also had a knack for dancing and loved to hear the bands play at the local V.F.W. She was also an accomplished roller skater and went to skating dance competitions. Most of all, however, she cherished the time and love she had for her family, especially her grandchildren.Mary Lou is survived by her 2 daughters, Michelle Combs and her husband, Tom, of Polk, and Valerie Sayers and her husband, Larry, of Cooperstown; and her 2 sons, Raymond Fike, Sr. and his wife, Kim, of Franklin, and Ronald Fike and his wife, Patty, also of Franklin.She is further survived by her numerous grandchildren, David Fike and his wife, Shannon, of Oil City, Raymond Fike, Jr. and his wife, Kristen, of Franklin, Laura Nelson and her fiance, Bob, of Franklin, Lindi Shook and her husband, Dave, of Oil City, Rachel Everhart of Franklin, Jennifer Fike of Erie, Ryan Fike of Franklin, Carrie Hoffman of Franklin, Alex Fike Franklin, and Damian Fike of Franklin; her 11 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; and her great-great-grandchild.In addition to her parents and husbands, she is preceded in death by her granddaughter, Gretchen Anderson; numerous cousins; her step-sister; and her step-father, John Foote.Family and friends will be received Tuesday, August 14, 2018 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin. Funeral services will be held following the visitation at 7 p.m. with Pastor Jeremy Stoufer, Chaplain of the Caring Place, officiating.Interment will be held at Franklin Cemetery.The family suggested that memorial contributions be made in Mary Lou's name to The Caring Place, 103 N 13th Street, Franklin, PA 16323, or to a charity of one's choice.To send online condolences, flowers, cards, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.