Mary L. Owner 1937—2016Mary Lou Owner, 78, of Freeport passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2016. She was born on December 15, 1937 in Freeport, IL, the daughter of Wesley and Ethel (Johnston) Fluegel. In 1973 she married John Michalos; they divorced in 1978 but in recent years remained close companions. Mary Lou spent most of her life living and working in Chicago as a secretary. In 1984 she began working as a bus driver for the Chicago Transit Authority, then retired and moved back to Freeport in 2000. She enjoyed sewing, ballroom dancing and going to estate sales. She attended the First Church of the Nazarene. Mary Lou is survived by her daughter, Heather (Brett) Spengler of Freeport; son, Kurt Owner (Kathryn Douglas) of Freeport; and companion, John Michalos of Akrata, Greece. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother Larry Laverle, and special friend (like-a-sister) Rita Short. She is dearly loved and will be missed.A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 8 t at 11 a.m. at The First Church of the Nazarene in Freeport. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. until the time of service. The Rev. Dean Pickett will officiate. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. A memorial fund has been established. Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.schwarzfh.com.