Mary Lou Perkins

July 5, 1941 – July 7, 2025

Mary Lou Perkins, 84, of Lovell passed away peacefully at North Big Horn Hospital on Monday, July 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on July 5, 1941, in Lovell, Mary Lou was the daughter of Pearle and Almy Pryde. She was the older sister of Jack Pryde, who was born on December 10, 1943. Mary Lou spent much of her childhood in Lovell, where she attended all grades except for her third year, during which her family moved to Upton. She cherished her time in Lovell and carried a deep love for the community and the land throughout her life.

In September of 1957, Mary Lou married Jack Bischoff, and together they raised three children, Robb, Cindy and Jay. Though their marriage ended in divorce, Mary Lou found love again when she married Gerald Perkins on March 3, 1970. This marriage added Chuck to her family and blessed them with a son, Andy. Her life was centered around the love and care of her family, and she cherished her role as a mother and grandmother.

Mary Lou was a natural caregiver, taking great pride in raising her children and later nurturing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was known for her warmth, generosity and ability to make anyone feel at home. Whether hosting family holiday dinners or welcoming others into her fold, Mary Lou’s home was always open to friends, extended family, rodeo families and anyone who needed a place of comfort. Her culinary skills were legendary, being honored as the Betty Crocker Homemaker of the Year for Wyoming in 1956.

Throughout her life, Mary Lou was active in her community and served in several roles, including as a dispatcher for the sheriff/police department. She also worked at American Colloid as well as helped run a pallet and fencing business with her husband Gerald for many years. Later, she worked for the school district as a substitute teacher. However, her most cherished role was as the matriarch of her family, always offering guidance, advice and support whenever needed.

Mary Lou was also an engaged member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she actively served. Her service extended beyond the church to several local organizations, including the Lovell Drainage District Board, the Kane Museum Board, the Big Horn County Library Board and the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame. She served as secretary and treasurer of the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame Board of Directors for many years, contributing her time and energy to preserving the region’s rich history.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Pearle and Almy Pryde, brother Jack Pryde, sister-in-law, stepson and beloved husband of 48 years, Gerald Perkins. 

She is survived by her children, Robb (Bonnie) Bischoff, Cindy (Tim) Marton of Buffalo, Jay (Deb) Bischoff of Lovell and Andy (Becky) Perkins of Lovell; and grandchildren Jake Bischoff, Lacee (Billy) Davila, Jamie Perkins, Sammie Perkins, Dylan (Morgan) Marton, Rylee (Cameron) Lloyd, Shawn Perkins and Addisyn Perkins; great-grandchildren Jaylee, Demee and Dallas Davila, Aftyn Grant, Coy Brower, Charlie Marton and Cruz Lloyd. 

Mary Lou will be deeply missed by all of her family, especially for her famous macaroni and the comforting hugs and advice she gave so freely.

A funeral service to celebrate Mary Lou’s life was held on Monday, July 14, at 10 a.m. at the Lovell LDS Stake House. A viewing was on Sunday, July 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Haskell Funeral Home, as well as one hour prior to the service.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the North Big Horn Hospital staff and all who provided Mary Lou with care and comfort throughout her life.