Mary Lou Strobel

Mary Lou Cerini Strobel, 71, of Silverton, ID, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at her Silverton home on April 12, 2025. Mary Lou was born on September 10, 1953 in Petaluma, CA, a daughter of Vernon and Angelina (Cerini) Katen.

Mary Lou graduated high school in Petaluma, CA and met her future husband, Walter Strobel, a Silver Valley native, whose family was stationed there at the military base. The two were married on July 6 1974 in Petaluma. Walter and Mary Lou had two daughters, Katie and Lindsy, then returned to Walter’s hometown.

While in California, Mary Lou and Walter owned and operated a restaurant for 15 years. When they moved to the Silver Valley, Mary Lou then worked as the manager for the bakery and deli department at Yoke’s in Kellogg for many years from which she retired, a job she greatly enjoyed.

Always thrifty, Mary Lou enjoyed going to garage sales with her husband, Walter, to find good bargains. At home, she enjoyed baking delicious goodies for her family and friends. She also liked to travel often visiting her family back in Petaluma, CA and locally enjoyed trips out to Rose Lake. Mary Lou loved music, especially Patsy Cline, and dancing. But above all, her greatest joy was spending time with her family and her two precious grandchildren.

Mary Lou is preceded in death by her father, Vernon Katen; and her brother, Stanley Katen.

Survivors include her husband, Walter Strobel of Silverton, ID; two daughters, Lindsy Strobel of Osburn, ID, and Katie (Matt) Murray of Mullan, ID; two grandchildren, Ayden and Alivia Murray; her mother, Angelina Katen of Petaluma, CA; her brother, Daniel (Gina) Katen of Colorado; her sister, Verna Lee (Joe) Leyba of Petaluma, CA; her brother-in-law Scott Ellingson of Kennewick, WA; her sister-in-law Bernice Katen of California; several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews; and two very dear friends, Mary Ann Cooley and Kristen Nelson.

A celebration of Mary Lou's life will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, 1:00 PM at the Wallace Elks Lodge, Wallace ID where a reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made to Shoshone Cancer Resource Center.

Memories of Mary Lou and messages of condolence may be shared online with her family at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is assisting the Strobel family with arrangements.