November 18, 1942 – June 16, 2025

Mary Lou Johns (née Haskett), age 82, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, in Winfield, IL with family by her side.

Born on November 18, 1942, in Newton, MA to parents Mary (née Johnson) and Louis Herbert, Mary Lou lived a life marked by creativity, leadership, and deep devotion to her family and passions. Her journey took her from the East Coast to the Midwest to the Rockies and beyond, always guided by fierce independence and an unwavering commitment to living life on her own terms.

After her father’s untimely passing, she and her brother Joe were adopted by Donald Haskett and took his name in 1953. Mary Lou married high school boyfriend, Steve Johns, in 1964 and in 1969 she gave birth to their only son, Eric Johns. Eric gave her three grandchildren. Mary Lou cherished being a grandmother.

She graduated from Needham High School in 1960 then earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of Iowa in 1965. She followed up with a Master of Arts in Education and Early Childhood Development in 1968 before pursuing a Doctor of Education at Rutgers University, earning her degree in 1981. Her professional life was dedicated to education—a field in which she made a lasting impact. She began her career as an elementary school teacher, where she nurtured young minds with patience and care. As her career progressed, she transitioned into administration, designing curriculum, then becoming the beloved principal of Lincoln Hall Middle School in Lincolnwood, IL. In every role she held, Mary Lou was known for her dedication to students and staff alike.

Outside her professional accomplishments, Mary Lou had a deep love for the outdoors. She was an avid camper during her years in Illinois and New Jersey and found joy in skiing. It was through a ski club that she met her second husband, John Rynes, whom she married in 1995—a fitting beginning for two people who shared a passion for adventure. At age 79, Mary Lou was still fearlessly attacking the moguls and skiing black diamonds in Breckenridge’s Imperial Bowl at an elevation of 12,840 feet. At one point she was a Life Coach, publishing a book in 2002, Coach Yourself into Action. She was a longtime resident of Breckenridge, a member of Father Dyer Methodist Church, a skilled member of Women of Watercolor and a contributor to the Summit Arts Council, where she not only sold her own paintings but also supported fellow artists in sharing their work. Inspired by landscapes and scenes from her travels, Mary Lou’s artwork now graces the homes of those who loved her most—a lasting testament to her vision and talent.

Mary Lou and John loved to travel and enjoyed their home in Breckenridge, and a second home at The Farm in Mt. Tabor, WI. Mary Lou’s zest for life was embraced daily and included opening their Colorado and Wisconsin homes to friends and families for memorable gatherings. In 2013 they adopted a dog, Lucky. He quickly became a beloved companion.

Mary Lou cherished her family deeply. She is survived by her devoted husband John Rynes; her son and daughter-in-law Eric and Tina Johns; step-children Joel and George Rynes; grandchildren Heather, Amanda, Sarah, Sophia and Katherine; great-grandchildren: Elizabeth, Brooklyn, Reagan, and Colton; brother Joseph Haskett; nieces and nephews Louis, Joanna, and Kristy Lou; grand-nieces and nephews; Sunney, Skyler, Rowan, and Lula; cousin Robert; sisters-in-law Martha and Christa.

Mary Lou lived with purpose and heart, leaving a legacy rich with love, art, laughter on snowy slopes, and memories crafted around campfires and paintbrushes. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her. A Memorial Service will be held at Father Dyer United Methodist Church, Breckenridge, Colorado on Monday, August 18th from 1pm to 3pm.