MaryLou S Poulton, 79, of Salem, Virginia went home to be with the Lord on Sunday June 17, 2012. Born in East Palestine, Ohio, MaryLou graduated from Columbiana High School in 1951 and attended the Cleveland Art Institute. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She used her artistic talent and love of crafts to run her Quilts and Crafts store in Salem, Virginia and gained a loyal following at her annual Christmas House craft sale. But it was her love of Christ that defined her life as an adult and led her to a second career as a nursing assistant where her witness and compassion touched many lives in the valley. MaryLou was preceded in death by her parents John C Snyder and Grace Akenhead Snyder Carson, and step-father Merle E Carson. Her devoted husband of 52 years and best friend William L Poulton preceded her in death.

She is survived by her loving family which includes two daughters, Susan P Dobyns and her husband Bobby, MaryAnne Sours and her husband John; two sons, Chris Poulton and his wife Cindy, Peter J Poulton and his wife Kim; six grandchildren, Whitney Cairns and her husband Frank, Meredith Talian and her husband Luke, Brandon Ramsuer, Nomeka Sours, Billy Sours and Jackson Poulton; a sister Shirley Fitzpatrick, as well as several nieces and nephews. A memorial service for MaryLou will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 23, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church in Roanoke, Virginia. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.