Mary Lou Joan Raiten, 62, of Phoenix, AZ, passed onto her eternal rest on July 8, 2006. She was born on August 2, 1943 to Melvin and Mariam Raiten in Elroy, WI. She was 1 of 12 children. She graduated from Norwalk High School in 1961.

     Mary Lou was married at the age of 20 to Elmer Mindermann in Madison, WI. She spent the next 18 years with her family in the United States Air Force. During this time her travels extended over three different continents where they came to retire from the Air Force in Phoenix, AZ.

     She worked for Sun City Caregivers where she dedicated herself to taking care of the elderly. Religion was a very important part of her life along with her family and friends. Her beloved pets were her dog, Ginger, and her bird, Princess.

     She is survived by her two daughters, Cynthia Lou Gagnon and Laura Lee Dowty both of Phoenix; a grandson, Shaun Michael Dowty; son-in-law, Rick Gagnon; and numerous brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Mariam; her brother, Melford Raiten; and her sister, Janice Abner.

     Graveside services will be Saturday at 4:45 p.m. in Dell Cemetery, rural Westby.

     Family and friends are invited to call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, on Saturday from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m.