BETTY LOU MAYES NOLAN (nee Cook), age 87 of Merrillville, passed away peacefully at approximately 5:30 am. on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Crown Point Christian Village.

Survived by her daughter, Deborah (Mayes) Carney of IL; son, Lester (Jay) Mayes of AZ; four grandchildren: Michael Carney of AK, Matt Carney of IL, James and Blake Mayes , both of AZ; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Joseph D. and James D. Cook. Her parents, Earl and Gladys Cook, her first husband and father of her children, Lester Earl Mayes, and her second husband, James Earl Nolan, preceded her in death. Throughout her life, she remained a loving and supportive mother and grandmother.

Born on March 1, 1929, Betty resided in Merrillville, Indiana through most of her adult life. She attended the Merrillville Methodist Church and later, St. Andrew Catholic Church. She was a graduate of Lew Wallace High School, Class of 1947. Betty raised two children and was an active parent in the Merrillville Schools from 1960 – 1968. She served as a Brownie leader, a Girl Scout leader, and as a “den mother” to the Biddy Basketball team that her husband, Lester, coached. Betty worked at Montgomery Ward from 1959 to 1978, initially due to the steel strike, and then largely to assist in sending her children to college, and additionally, her son on through medical school. She was an active member of American Legion Post #430 for many years.

Family and friends may call at Pruzin Brothers Funeral Service, 6360 Broadway, Merrillville on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm. Funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm. from Pruzin Brothers Chapel with Chaplain Frank Klobucar officiating. Cremation to follow service.