Mary Louise (Kallmeyer) Binzer  ~ July 9,1935 to January 13, 2024

Mary Lou was born at home on Cleves Warsaw Pike in Cincinnati, Ohio. Despite initial concerns from the doctor, who predicted that she wouldn't survive birth, she proved him wrong for 88 years by living a full and vibrant life.

Mary Lou held a special place in her family as the youngest of four siblings, including Howard Kallmeyer, Phyllis Kallmeyer-Cordrey, and Paul Kallmeyer. On her mother's side, she ranked as the fourth among 59 first cousins, with a total of 89 first cousins. Her father, Charles "Harry" Kallmeyer, was one of 11 children, while her mother, Loretta Guethlein-Kallmeyer, was the oldest among 17 siblings.

Growing up in Delhi, Ohio, family meant everything for Mary Lou. Her childhood was enriched by a close-knit family environment where relatives frequently stayed with her family for extended periods, ranging from months to even years. Harry and Loretta's home served as a hub for family gatherings, ensuring that Mary Lou's life was immersed in the love and affection of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Family was truly the heart of Mary Lou's upbringing.

After completing high school, Mary Lou took on the role of a legal secretary in downtown Cincinnati, working for a former Ohio Supreme Court Judge. During her time at the law firm, she became a member of the Franciscan 3rd order, a group of young adults dedicated to volunteering at orphanages, singing at old age homes, and participating in various charitable activities. It was in that group that Mary Lou met Ralph Binzer, whom she eventually married on June 13, 1959. The couple welcomed their first child, Antoinette (Toni) Binzer-Covington. Following the customs of that time, Mary Lou stayed at home to raise her family, which expanded to include Theresa Binzer-Todd, Michael Binzer, and Mary Binzer-Larsen.

Mary Lou was always on the go. She spent her time volunteering at the elementary school library and for the Cincinnati Zoo Zoosters. Additionally, she took on the role of teaching CCD at Corpus Christi Church. Mary Lou's generosity extended to her college-aged cousins, whom she hosted for "mental health" breaks during their college years. These breaks provided a supportive and rejuvenating environment. Weekends with Mary Lou were a combination of rest, delicious food, and lively conversations.

After her youngest child started school, Mary Lou re-entered the workforce on a part-time basis at law offices in downtown Cincinnati. Later, she sought a full-time position and secured a job at Union Central Life Insurance Company (UCL), close to home. Initially, Mary Lou assisted the main policy writer who utilized the early stand-alone Word Processors.  Mary Lou's role evolved with the advent of the personal computer. She played a key role in teaching the entire company the intricacies of the new IBM word. Over time, her expertise expanded to include training in Microsoft Word and Excel. Despite an offer from IBM to teach for their company, Mary Lou declined, as she was deeply attached to her job and the people at UCL.

During her 20 plus years at UCL, Mary Lou continued to be active in her church. She also took on the cherished persona of Mrs. Claus for the Appalachian Children of Kentucky, participating in the School on Wheels Program. While her son, Mike, took on the role of Santa, distributing toys, Mrs. Claus took the heartwarming initiative of reading books and offering hugs to the children.

Following the passing of Mary Lou's husband, Ralph, and her father, Harry, she felt a deep longing for solitude. Seeking solace, she made the decision to join a cloistered convent. During her discernment period at the Monastery of Visitation in Toledo, Ohio, Mary Lou took her first set of vows and received her white veil. However, after two years of reflection, she came to the realization that the monastic life was not her true calling. She left and returned to Cincinnati and started volunteering for the Little Sisters of the Poor (LSP). She became fast friends with Sr. Joseph of St. Margaret Mary. When Sr. Joseph was transferred to Baltimore, MD, Mary Lou followed her shortly after. For the next 15 years, she volunteered for the LSP in Baltimore and Washington, DC. If Sr. Joseph needed anything, Mary Lou would accomplish it. Along with policy writing, jewelry making, card designing, party planning and fundraising, Mary Lou continued to play Mrs. Claus for the residents at the home each Christmas. Upon the death of Sr. Joseph, Mary Lou moved to Lexington, KY to be close to her son, Mike, her granddaughter Jenni, and her cousin Jan (and Ed) Romond.

During her years in Kentucky, Mary Lou enjoyed her time researching her family tree, kept in contact with all her relatives and continued to be an active member of the AJJ (Assoc. of St. Jeanne Jugan - the foundress of the LSP). In the last year of her life, Mary Lou faced and triumphed over a diagnosis of Lymphoma cancer. She transitioned to Sayre Village, where she became a vibrant and active member. She was truly joyful in her new community. Her last hurrah was playing Mrs. Claus for the other residents with a full chorus of "The 12 Dogs of Christmas" sing along.

Mary Lou's artistic talents knew no bounds. She crafted beautiful crochet blankets for her grandchildren and created stunning Christmas ornaments from eggs, ranging in size from robin eggs to goose eggs. She even fashioned one of her famous ornaments from an ostrich egg. Mary Lou also possessed the gift of storytelling, of inclusivity and community building. A brilliant writer and a walking thesaurus, she could weave captivating tales. Her warm and welcoming nature made her a central figure in the lives of many—seemingly everyone either knew her or was somehow related to her. Mary Lou was a radiant presence, always quick with a smile and ever ready to share a story, embodying the spirit of love.

Mary Lou is preceded in death by her husband Ralph Binzer and her oldest daughter Antionette (Toni) Covington. She leaves behind her brother Paul Kallmeyer, her daughters Theresa (Jim) Todd and Mary (Scott) Larsen and her son Michael (Kim LaFountain) Binzer and her grandchildren Aron, Jenni and Adam Covington, Joseph Todd, Jacklyn Binzer, Erik, and Ian Larsen. And many, many well-loved cousins

Her visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 23rd from 5 to 7 PM at Paul R. Young Funeral Home, 7345 Hamilton Ave., Mt. Healthy, OH 45231. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 24th at 12 PM at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8815 East Kemper Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45249. Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Reception to follow cemetery services at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please support: Bluegrass Care Navigators (1733 Harrodsburg Rd, Lexington KY, 40504) www.bgcarenav.org or Sayre Christian Village  (3775 Belleau Wood Drive, Lexington, KY 40517)  https://www.sayrechristianvillage.org/donate . Online condolences can be made at www.paulyoungfuneralhome.com .