Mary Hall Obituary

Surrounded with the love of her family, Mary Lou Hall passed away March 5, 2025, in Surprise, AZ. Born in Mancos, CO to David and Grace Swenk, on June 6, 1934, Mary Louise Swenk prided herself on being of "pioneer stock." She believed in putting one foot in front of the other through any hardship. She succeeded with that philosophy to the age of 90+. Love for a good party and compassion for the less fortunate, kept her balanced.

Mary Lou often opened her home to those in need, whether they be family, someone stranded at the doctor's office where she worked, or an employee that needed help. As a mother, she was her children's greatest cheerleader for any project or activity they pursued.

A small farm outside Mancos, was Mary Lou's childhood home. At Mancos High School, she led the band as Drum Majorette and it was there, she met Keith Jones. They graduated from MHS in 1952 and married later that year, making Durango their home. Keith and Mary Lou had a daughter, Naomi, and a son, Dana.

Mary Lou worked as a medical secretary for Mercy and Community Hospitals and for Dr. Luter. After Keith and Mary Lou divorced in 1977, she pursued a career in real estate with Century 21. Three years later she was named top-selling sales associate for the entire West Slope.

Mary Lou met Ace Hall through his sister, Dorothy. Ace co-owned the Diamond Lodge Guest Ranch and Mary Lou, who grew up with horses, fit right in. Both Ace and Mary Lou embraced family, sought adventure and were not afraid of hard work, making them a great team. The Vagabond Inn became their next endeavor and they were married there on March 25, 1989. Together they managed the inn for 10 years.

An active member of the La Plata Chapter of Eastern Star, Mary Lou was chosen to serve as Grand Ruth for the years 1996-97. She loved hosting dinner parties for their Masonic and church families, and holiday celebrations for loved ones. Music, dancing, writing, painting, gardening, skiing, and time in the mountains were all part of Mary Lou's life. And she loved to travel. She and Ace crisscrossed the country in Ace's airplane and in their motor home, including through Alaska. The two of them enjoyed cruises in the Mediterranean Sea, Alaska, and Australia.

Seeking a lower altitude, they moved to Sun City where Mary Lou enjoyed sharing fresh-picked oranges, watching rabbits, admiring brilliant desert flowers and hosting family and friends.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband, Ace Hall of Glendale, AZ; daughter, Naomi Morrison of Flagstaff, AZ; son, Dana Jones of Durango; six grandchildren, and four greatgrandchildren, as well as Ace's family, whom she loved and considered her own.

Services will be held at Summit Church, April 26, 2025, at 11:00.