Celebrating the Life of MaryLou Miklas
Our hearts are saddened yet filled with hope as we share that MaryLou (Schweiger) Miklas entered the presence of the Lord on March 10, 2026.
MaryLou Miklas was born on January 9, 1943, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Louis and Grace Schweiger. The middle of three children, MaryLou grew up in a religious family, attending the local Presbyterian church regularly, which offered many hours of religious instruction but no real relationship with Jesus.
It wasn’t until one summer when her family attended meetings at the Pinebrook Bible Conference grounds under the ministry of Percy Crawford that religion turned into faith for her. After a season of resisting the Holy Spirit’s nudge, she went forward and gave her life to the Lord. She would later say of that moment, “I fought—but I did not win.”
A move from Baltimore to Perry Hall, Maryland, gave MaryLou the opportunity to become involved in the Youth for Christ chapter in her local high school. By her senior year, she was serving as president and developing leadership skills that would serve her well in future ministry. It was during these years that she met David, whom she would later marry.
In 1961 MaryLou was accepted at Washington Bible College, where she earned a degree in Christian Education. During her college years, as her mother’s battle with cancer neared its end, MaryLou and David made the decision to move up their wedding date, and they were married on June 6, 1964.
The next few years brought many changes, including two Bible college graduations, the birth of five children, supporting her husband in church planting, and stepping into the life of a pastor’s wife—a role that would continue for 53 years.
MaryLou had a deep love for music and faithfully used it in the life of the church. Throughout the years, she served in various musical ministries, leading both adult and children’s choirs, directing musical programs and plays, and playing the marimba in church services.
MaryLou also had a special place in her heart for children. Throughout the years she oversaw and taught children’s church classes, organized Vacation Bible School, and invested countless hours helping young people learn about Christ.
Outside of church, MaryLou drove a school bus and later taught middle school history and Bible for a number of years. The children and teens around her knew they were loved and accepted, especially those who often felt overlooked or on the fringe.
MaryLou was deeply proud of her children, grandchildren, and in recent years the growing number of great-grandchildren. At family gatherings, MomMom was most often found in the middle of the outdoor fun—teaching the next generation how to hit a Wiffle ball or instigating water gun battles.
Those who knew MaryLou remember her for her love of Jesus. She was known for her willingness to step in wherever help was needed and for a faithfulness that marked her life of ministry.
MaryLou is survived by her husband of 61 years, David, and their children: Jonathan (Christine) Miklas, Grace (Tom) Krug, Joel (Rachel) Miklas, Ruth (Tim) Ritter, and Rebecca (Eric) Burke; 21 grandchildren and 13 (and counting) great-grandchildren.
MaryLou’s greatest desire was that others would know Christ and grow in their faith, especially her children and grandchildren—and this new and growing generation. Her life was a testament to the goodness and faithfulness of God. MaryLou has finished her race and now rests in the presence of the Savior she loved.
A service celebrating MaryLou’s life will be held on March 26 at 11 a.m. at Maclean-Chamberlain Funeral Home in Coatesville, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Trinity Baptist Church, 596 W. Newport Rd, Lititz, PA 17543 (please note “MaryLou Miklas” in the memo line) to support missions and church planting, ministries that were meaningful to MaryLou.