Mary Lou England

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and dear friend, Mary Lou Bates Mann England, peacefully passed away on September 23, 2026, at the beautiful age of 95, surrounded by the love of the family she so cherished.

Mary Lou’s story began on May 11, 1931, when she was born to Howard C. and Eunice Hesser Bates in Boise, Idaho. Growing up as the youngest of two children, she brought endless joy to her family. In 1945, she moved with her family to Burley, Idaho, where she embraced her high school years with a bright smile, graduating from Burley High School and supporting her father as his radiator repair business flourished.

In 1948, Mary Lou married LaWayne "Shorty" Mann, and together they were blessed with four wonderful boys: Kelly, Larry, James (Jim), and William (Bill), who became the center of her world. Later in life, a beautiful new chapter began when she met her true partner and soulmate, R. Harold "Hal" England. Marrying in 1966, Mary Lou and Hal lovingly blended their families, embarking on a deeply devoted 56-year journey together.

The absolute happiest times of Mary Lou and Hal’s marriage were spent at Terrace Lakes. There, surrounded by nature, they played golf and cultivated a beautiful circle of lifelong, special friendships. Even during 20 years of commuting daily while working in Boise and Caldwell, their partnership remained unshakable. In 2006, they joyfully returned to their roots in Boise to enjoy their golden years.

Mary Lou was not only a dedicated family woman but a brilliant trailblazer in the medical industry. She began her career with a warm welcome as a receptionist for Dr. James Kircher, which sparked a lifelong passion for healthcare administration. She went on to manage the medical records department at Cassia Memorial Hospital and later served as the Medical Records Department Manager at Twin Falls Regional Medical Center.

Her incredible intellect and dedication eventually led her back to Boise, where she worked for the Idaho Hospital Association and proudly became the Director of the Idaho Cancer Registry. There, she poured her heart into building the Tumor Registry for the State of Idaho—a legacy that saved and touched countless lives. Her expertise was highly sought after, leading her to serve as Director of the Blue Mountain Cancer Registry, Consultant of the Oregon Cancer Registry, and a trusted consultant for the CDC and the American Academy of Surgeons. She was a respected leader and officer for both the Idaho and National Medical Records Associations, and shared her knowledge across the country as a National Speaker on Cancer Staging.

Mary Lou’s heart for service extended deeply into her community. She was a dedicated member of the Eastern Star and the Daughters of the Nile, where she gracefully served as Queen in 1986. Alongside Hal, she poured immense love and energy into supporting the El Korah Shrine, always championing the vital work of the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Mary Lou lived a life defined by elegance, intellect, and an boundless capacity to love. She leaves behind a rich legacy through her children, grandchildren, and the many lives she bettered through her work and charity. She is deeply missed, but her warmth will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved her.

Mary Lou was reunited in heaven with those who went before her. She was predeceased by her parents, Howard and Eunice; her first husband, Shorty Mann; her husband, Hal England; her beloved son, Larry Mann; and her stepson, Val England.

Her love and memory will be forever carried on by those she leaves behind. She is survived by her sons, Kelly Mann (Lyla), Jim England (Doug), and Bill Mann; her stepsons, Gary England (Rosalina) and Dennis England (Linda); and her stepdaughter, Barbara Millon.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 10th at 11:00 AM at Summers Funeral Home in Meridian, ID.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Mary Lou's name to the El Korah Shrine, continuing her lifelong passion for the benefit of the Shriners Hospitals for Children.