Mary Lou Stordahl Voise Petrik was born on November 7, 1932, to Mary (Everett) and John Stordahl in Conrad, Montana. She attended twelve years of school there and then went on to Northern Montana College in Havre to earn her BA teaching degree. There she met Donald Voise and they married in 1954. They had four children: Bradley, Cecilia, Scott, and Charlene. During this time, she taught in Highwood, Montana; Miller Country School, Havre; and Conrad Elementary before becoming a stay-at-home mom. In 1963, they moved to Roundup, Montana.

Being a stay-at-home mom also included being a substitute teacher, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, Cub Scout leader, member of the church choir, member of the Sweet Adelines, making homemade candles for holidays and weddings, and helping with the chores and work on the farm. Mary Lou and Don divorced in 1976, at which time she went to Eastern Montana College in Billings, Montana to get her BS in Elementary Education.

After renewing her teaching certificate, Mary Lou taught in Dupuyer, Montana and then in Lambert, Montana, where she eventually retired. She loved teaching the young children and enjoyed finding interesting games and bulletin boards to spark their interests.

In 1981, Mary Lou married Warren Petrik in Lambert, Montana. Together they had a large extended family. Warren’s six children and Mary Lou’s four never ALL got together at the same time but they were all loved and prayed for. As the children expanded the family, in-laws and steps all became THEIRS.

A lifelong avid reader and collector of music boxes, salt and pepper shakers, and spoons, Mary Lou often displayed her treasures at the Lambert Museum for others to enjoy. She also helped at church, the senior center, and the Crafty Country Store – plus spent many hours painting pictures for her own enjoyment and helping Warren at his craft shows.

Mary Lou peacefully passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Sunflower Gardens Assisted Living Facility in Roundup, Montana surrounded by loved ones.

She is survived by her sons Brad Voise, Curtis (Marilyn) Petrik, Dennis Petrik, and Travis (Vikki) Petrik; daughters Cely (Jim) Schaff, Charlene Voise, and Letitia (Richard) Harrison; in-laws Jim Murray, Phyllis Stordahl and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband Warren; son Scott Voise; daughter Twyla Petrik, granddaughter Christina Voise; daughter Glenda Murray; brothers Milo Stordahl, Everett Bracken, and Johnny Stordahl; sisters Leslie Brandmeir, Nancy Luker, daughter-in-law Betty Voise.