Mary Lou Freeman Stresing "Lou" formerly of New Albany, Indiana died peacefully on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the age of 85 years old. Beloved wife of the late Earl J. Stresing and mother of the late Clifford Allen Lee. She was preceded in death by her parents Flora Mae and Charles Robert Freeman and her brothers James, Robert (Rosalyn), Genie, and sisters, Karen Profitt (Bobby), Kay Salesman, and Judy Freeman.

Lou is survived by her daughter, Shannon Whitt-Goers (Dwayne), grandson, Cory Whitt (Susan), three great granddaughters, Cadence Whitt, Claire Whitt and Kyleigh Whitt and her sister Lola Leffler (Don). Further survived by her dearest cousins Linda Kersey, Kenneth Kersey and Connie Kersey, her niece Virginia Mullins (Tony) and many other great nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Lou and Earl were married for over 30 years and moved to Mars Hill, North Carolina after Earl retired from teaching. They had gone on vacation to North Carolina and fell in love with the Blue Ridge Mountains and the small quaint town of Mars Hill. Both were very talented artists and opened the Stesing Art Gallery in Mars Hill in the late 1980's. Lou created beautiful stain glass art, abstract oil and collage paintings and small to large size sculptures. Lou constructed an 8-foot American flag oil painting in honor of her brother Jimmy who served in the Vietnam War. This piece was chosen out of hundreds of entries to be displayed in Washington, D.C. for a Veterans memorial service. Lou and Earl were both very well known throughout the art community and have donated pieces of their work to Mars Hill University.

Lou truly loved spending time at her home located on 20 acres and tucked inside the Blue Ridge Mountains. She often referred to it as her "sanctuary." More than anything, she loved being with her family. She also enjoyed gardening, baking, reading, collecting coins & stamps, and watching wildlife from the front deck of her home.

A funeral service will be held at 12pm Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service. Reverend Harry Culbertson will officiate. Burial will follow in the Whitt Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org