Mary Lou Gutierrez, 96, of Rock Island, Illinois, passed away Thursday, October 16, 2025, surrounded by family at UnityPoint Health-Trinity, Rock Island.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Avenue, Rock Island. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Monday, October 20, 2025, at the funeral home with the Recitation of the Rosary beginning at 3:30 p.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island. Memorials may be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rock Island for Masses.

Mary was born on February 9, 1929, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, the daughter of Roy G. and Lillie (Poole) Hershey. On June 4, 1947, she married the love of her life, Epifanio Gutierrez, in Moline. They shared 58 years of marriage before his passing on March 7, 2005.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Mary, dedicated her life to her family. She was a loving homemaker and a nurturing presence in the lives of her children and grandchildren. A faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, she served as a Eucharistic Minister and was deeply involved in parish life. Mary also gave her time to her community as a Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader and active PTA member.

Mary enjoyed her nightly competition playing Wheel of Fortune with her twins and daughter-in-law, Patty. She had a lifelong passion for gardening and found joy and peace in tending to her flowers and plants. She also enjoyed reading and keeping up with current events.

Those left to cherish Mary's memory include her children, Sharon (James) Teel, Mark Gutierrez, Brian (Patty) Gutierrez, Brent Gutierrez, and Lisa (Ken) Ellison; 8 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; and brother, Truman (Sheila) Parrish.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Valerie Gutierrez; and brothers, Roy Hershey, Wendel Parrish, and Wayne Parrish.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with Mary's family at www.wheelanpressly.com.