Mary Lou (Gaston) Burkett, age 79, of Salem, Illinois, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Deaconess Illinois Crossroads Hospital in Mount Vernon.

Mary Lou was born on September 27, 1946, in Centralia, Illinois, the daughter of Clair and Geraldine (Brasel) Gaston.

She spent many years working as a secretary for Stanford Engineering, where she was known for her reliability, organization, and quiet professionalism. Mary Lou took pride in her work and the relationships she built along the way.

Mary was of the Christian faith. She enjoyed golfing, cooking, and taking care of her lawn. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family.

Survivors include her children, Angela DeForest and husband Jesse, and Cheryl Burkett; grandchildren, Gaven Liddle, Miles Skinner, Gabe Moffett, Brodie Skinner, and Lexi DeForest; her siblings, Darrell Gaston and wife Sheryl, and Patty Parkinson and husband Darrell; nieces and nephews, Tara Resch and husband Rodney, Tony West and wife Judy, Darin Gaston and wife Connie, and Heather Kisela; along with many great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clair and Geraldine Gaston, and her brother, Jerald Gaston.

Celebration of life services for Mary Lou Burkett will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem with Jim Chapman officiating.  There will be a time to visit with the family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.   Memorial contributions can be made to the United Spinal Association and will be received at the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories can be left at www.CrouseFH.com.