Mary Lou Cushing

Palmetto, FL- Mary Lou Bernthal Cushing, 85, of Palmetto, FL, formerly of Danville, died at 1:00 AM on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at the Tidewell Hospice Center in Palmetto. She was born on June 26, 1926 in Danville to John Gary and Sophia Hermina Schmidt Ackelmire. She married Albert F. Bernthal on June 20, 1948 in Danville. He preceded her in death in 1993. Mary Lou then married Leonard Cushing on April 26, 1996. He survives. Surviving is a son, David G. (Jane) Bernthal of Mahomet, IL; two grandchildren, Randal-Allison Bernthal and Barry Karuzis; as well as two great grandchildren, Addison and Brynley In addition to her first husband, she was preceded in death by her brother Fred Ackelmire. Mary Lou worked for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. She enjoyed golf, swimming and playing the piano. Mary Lou liked to spend time on the beach, building sandcastles with her grandchildren, travel & chocolate. While living in Danville she was a faithful member of the choir at Trinity Lutheran Church. Most of all, she enjoyed life and spending time with her family. A service to celebrate the life of Mary Lou Bernthal Cushing will be held at 2 PM on Friday, April 20, 2012 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Danville. Pastor Kent Tibben will officiate. Burial will follow at Lutheran Cemetery. Cremation rites have been accorded. The family will accept friends from 1-2 PM prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Salt and Light Ministries in Champaign, Illinois. Please join Mary Lou's family in sharing memories, photos, and video of her life through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.