Mary Lou Ann (nee: Dietrich) Harmon, 88, of Lebanon, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, January 8 , with family by her side. She was born on December 24, 1934, to Vernon and Marie Dietrich in Sandusky, Ohio. Mary Lou graduated from Van Wert High School in 1952. She then attended Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, graduating  summa cum laude with majors in history and political science, and a minor in biology in May 1956.

She met Al Harmon at a wedding of mutual friends, and they were married in February of 1958.  Mary Lou is survived by her husband, Al Harmon; son, John Harmon (Jacqueline) of Tillsonburg, Ontario, CA; daughter, Elizabeth Anne (Steve) Cruz of Bend, Oregon; and four grandchildren, Joshua, Casey, Hannah, and Alex.

Her interest in reading was accelerated by participating in several book clubs in Lebanon and Dayton.  She was an avid birder and participated in several birding retreats to explore the outdoors. She actively participated in all aspects of community equality.  She co-founded Lebanon Peace Fellowship, was involved in the Warren County Race Unity Group, Lebanon Food Pantry, Interfaith Hospitality Network, and American Friends Service Committee.  She was an active member of the Transylvania Alumni Club and received the Distinguished Service Award and the Morrison Medallion for outstanding service to Transylvania. She and her husband established an endowment fund supporting courses in Peace Studies. She was also a member of Chi Omega Sorority.  Her love of politics and seeing the world in a new light began when she was selected to attend Washington's American University and studied Political Science.

She taught English, Spanish and American History for Miamisburg High School until the birth of her first child, John. She then became a devoted mother and volunteer. She later worked as a receptionist at a local doctor's office in Lebanon and was an active member of the Resurrection Lutheran Church. Her devotion to her family and beliefs were her biggest strengths. Her compassion for others won her many awards and involvements in many organizations. She spent decades working to promote understanding among different cultures and races. In 2011 she received the Martin Luther King Community Leadership Award.

Peace was everything about this amazing woman.  She would not rest until her thoughts were heard and reconciliation resulted. Mary Lou lived by Proverbs 3:17 – "All her ways are ways of pleasantness, and her paths are peace."  She will be greatly missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the following organizations: Resurrection Lutheran Church ( www.RLC-Lebanon.org/giving memorials), Transylvania University ( www.transy.edu/giving ), and  Queen City Hospice ( queencityhospice.com ).

A celebration of life will be held at Resurrection Lutheran Church at 1270 North Broadway Street, Lebanon, Ohio on Sunday,  January 15th with visitation at 2pm , service at 3pm and reception to follow.