MaryLou Gridley

MaryLou Gridley, 98, of Kettering, Ohio, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, at Hospice of Dayton. In the weeks leading up to her passing, she had been surrounded by her children and many family members as she was a beloved mother to four, grandma to 12, and “GG” (great grandma) to many great and even great-great grandchildren.

Born January 16, 1928, to Raymond and Mary Ann Deerwester, MaryLou was an only child. She shared her father’s love for music as an accomplished pianist. He owned a piano business, Awanda Studio of Music, located in the Reibold Building in Downtown Dayton. On nice days, she spoke fondly of the door being propped open as they’d play so that the music could be heard. In her high school years, she first began teaching piano lessons there at the studio.

A graduate of Chaminade Julienne High School she later attended University of Dayton graduating with an English degree in 1950. That following year on May 24, 1951, she married John “Jack” Gridley at Holy Angels church. They eventually moved into their home in Kettering where they raised their four children. MaryLou continued to reside at that home independently until the summer of 2025, keeping a parade of neighborhood squirrels that would visit her window sill well-fed and happy.

As her children grew older, MaryLou began teaching piano again, inspiring many generations over the years. She taught up until 2020. She only charged a modest fee as she believed her calling and God given talent was to inspire others to the love of music through the piano.

MaryLou will stay forever in everyone’s hearts and be remembered for her quick wit with a little bit of sass, which always brought a laugh and smile to others. She’ll also be remembered for always thinking of others, her spiritual beliefs, and love of family, friends, a good card game, and music. For any past piano pupils, may you think of her repeating “find middle C” the next time that you go to play.

MaryLou was preceded in passing by many dear ones over the years, including her parents and loving husband John Gridley. She is survived by her four children Sue Harris (deceased spouse John) of Kettering, Jack Gridley (spouse Judy) of Bellbrook, Jim Gridley of Centerville, and Julie Gridley of Bellbrook; 12 grandchildren, Stephanie Harris, Jonathan Harris, Matt (Christina) Harris, Jeff Harris, Josh Gridley, Amber Gridley, Kevin (Kelsey) Oswalt, Molly (Alan) Miller, Andrew (Mackenzie) Oswalt, Angie (Jed) Hanna, Jeni (Brian) Harkenrider, and Jessie (Matt) Kuhn; and 18 great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

A visitation and funeral services will be held at Routsong Funeral Home at 2100 E. Stroop Road, Kettering, Ohio 45429, on Friday, February 13. From 10-11 a.m., there will be a visitation where family will receive friends and loved ones. At 11 a.m., a funeral service will take place on site at Routsong. Afterwards, all are invited to enjoy lunch, refreshments, and share stories about MaryLou, which also will take place at Routsong. On Saturday, February 14, a private burial with immediate family will take place at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in MaryLou’s honor to Hospice of Dayton.