Mary Lou Spinks, 85, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on July 9, 2025. She was born on February 12, 1940, in Batesville, AR, to the late Sid Gilpatrick and Bonnie Jewel (Hall) Gilpatrick. Mary Lou worked as a postmaster for the United States Postal Service for thirty years and was the State President of NAPUS (National Association of Postmasters United States). She enjoyed coloring and crafting, flowers, bluebirds, and redbirds. Mary Lou loved her country and was very patriotic. She was an amazing seamstress, even sewing her children’s clothes. She was Superwoman and could do anything, even work as hard as any man could when working on the farm. Mary Lou loved her friends and family so much. Above all else, she loved the Lord and was an active member at Concord General Baptist Church. Mary was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who will be greatly missed by all those blessed to know her.
Mary Lou is survived by her daughters, Darla Cesarski (Rick) and Jana Spinks (fiancé, Farrell Harris); grandchildren, Brad Ruple, Josh Ruple, Steven Cesarski, Kaylin Cesarski, Austin Spinks, and Madalyn Stroud; and eight great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband and high school sweetheart, J. L. Spinks; daughter, Kim Ruple; son, Mark Spinks; infant son, Timothy Spinks; and brother, Jay Gilpatrick.
There will be a Celebration of Life held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, starting at 10 AM at Concord General Baptist Church. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Mary’s grandchildren, and honorary pallbearers are her great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Memory of Mary Lou Spinks to Concord General Baptist Church (#9 Floral Road Concord, AR 72523) or Arkansas Hospice Foundation-Batesville (3000 Jennings Lane Batesville, AR 72501).
