Mary Lou Spencer

Mary Lou Spencer, 96, of Topeka, passed away peacefully, accompanied by family on May 18, 2025 at Homestead Assisted Living.

She was born Mary Louise Lofquist on August 21, 1928 to Gustaf and Esther (Kellen) Lofquist at Kansas City, MO. The family moved to Mayetta, KS when she was 8 years old. She grew up in Mayetta during the depression and World War II. She attended Mayetta’s schools and received her diploma from Mayetta High School. She often told of her mother sending her to the store with 25 cents to purchase a roast with all the trimmings for a family of 6.

She owned and operated a Retail Liquor Store in Holliday Square for 24 years. She also was part owner of Spencer’s Big and Tall stores.

April 24, 1977, she married Roswell “Ross” Spencer in Las Vegas Nevada. As a couple they loved to travel. They visited a variety of locations including Europe and Alaska. Each year they went to Miami to attend a clothing market to purchase merchandise for Spencer’s Big and Tall. They also took many trips to Las Vegas in the days when it was much more affordable. Mary Lou and her cousin once traveled to Sweden to meet and visit distant relatives.

Mary Lou loved to talk to people and could talk to anyone, always having plenty to contribute to a conversation. She could strike up a conversation with all that were around her. She had many friends throughout her life and was always making new friends along the way. Mary Lou loved to send cards and gifts to all family and friends for every occasion, holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, etc. and was always very generous. Many holidays and birthdays were celebrated in their home.

During her time running her Liquor Store, Mary Lou mostly worked during the day by herself. Her younger son would come to store everyday and she would give him the days bank deposit of checks and cash to take across Holiday Square to Commerce Bank and she would give him a dime for doing it, a generous wage in the 60’s. He tucked the bank bag down his pants and under his shirt and inconspicuously walk it over to the bank. One day as he returned Mary Lou exclaimed “I’ve just been robbed!” She recounted, a man entered the store saying he had a knife and demanded the money from the register. She calmly opened the register and gave him the cash and then said, “now get the hell out of here!” He did not know that he had just missed a bigger haul. This is a testament to her courage. Both Mary Lou and Ross shared many interesting stories, wisdom, and experiences describing life as they knew it during the time before air-conditioning, cell phones, TV, and computers. And, of course, including the infamous story of walking two miles in a blizzard to school.

Mary Lou is survived by her loving husband; Ross, sons; Charles (Mary Ann) Gunnerson, Pratt, KS, and Karl (Susan) Gunnerson of Topeka, KS, grandsons; Sam (Sarina) Gunnerson, Lawrence, KS, Will (Katie) Gunnerson, Coralville, IA, step-granddaughter; Jordyn (Phillandus) Chaffin, Gardener, KS, and great granddaughters; Olive Gunnerson and Porter Chaffin.

She was preceded in death by her father; Gustaf Nils Lofquist, mother; Ester Marie Lofquist, and brothers; Harold Lofquist, Richard Lofquist, and Donald Lofquist.

Previously she was married to Vernon Krenkel and Eugene Gunnerson, both are deceased.

A private family gathering has taken place as was Mary Lou's wishes. She will be at rest in the Mount Hope Mausoleum.