Mary Lou Boal

Mary Lou Boal, 84, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at her residence in Madisonville, KY. She was born February 20, 1941, in Virgilina, VA, to the late George Chandler and Lula McWhorter Chandler. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” Boal; brother, Ruffin Chandler; and sisters, Carol Jordan and Mary Helen Gravitt.

Mary Lou is survived by her daughter, Beverly McLean (Todd Goodhead) of Newport News, VA; sons, Thomas Boal of Madisonville, and Benjamin Boal (Jessica) of Manteo, NC; brother, William Wilkins (Cheryl); grandchildren, Chandler (Kimbrly), Taylor (James), Ashley (Mike), Heather (Cody), Russell, John, and Avery; and great grandchildren Zoe, Aiden, Violet, Christopher, Everly, and Daniel.

She is also survived by dear sisters-in-law Mary Chandler, Vester Ensminger, and Jackie Schrag, along with many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Mary Lou had travel in her blood. In the late 1950s, as a charming Southern belle, she became a stewardess with Eastern Airlines. Flying out of New York, she met Bob—a handsome ticket agent who quickly became her “Prince” and the love of her life. They shared 62 years of marriage, building a family and a life full of adventure.

As their family grew, Mary Lou and Bob opened their home to teenage international exchange students, ensuring they experienced the richness of America. With family and friends piled into the Winnebago, she turned countless road trips into unforgettable adventures.

Later, Mary Lou blended her passion with her profession. She became an international tour manager and founded Madisonville’s first travel agency, Total Travel Service. For more than forty years, she delighted in sharing her destination knowledge, planning journeys for clients, and leading group tours. She cherished taking family members on unique trips, and she always had at least two of her own future adventures on the horizon.

Her love for people and cultures inspired her to write Wonderful World, Beautiful People, a book chronicling her travels through more than 80 countries. Along the way, she formed lifelong friendships around the globe. And when you were her friend, you could count on an invitation to Lucky Enuff, her happy place, a beach house on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Ever the family’s “social director,” Mary Lou kept spirits high with themed reunions, festive 4th of July traditions, and creative fun for her grandchildren.

Mary Lou also had a heart for service. She organized home goods drives for victims of natural disasters across the South and was honored as one of George Bush’s “1,000 Points of Light” for her impact. She was also commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel in recognition of her contributions to the state. Of all her accolades, though, she especially loved telling people about her cameo in the movie 50 to 1.

Mary Lou’s legacy of travel, creativity, and generosity touched thousands of lives. Some never knew the anonymous gifter who helped them, but for those who did, she was a cherished presence who will be deeply missed.

A Visitation will be held from 3:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. on Friday, September 26, at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home in Madisonville. A graveside service will be on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Virgilina Cemetery in Virgilina, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity (43 S Daves St, Madisonville, KY 42431) or Patrick Rudd Project (P.O. Box 1428, Madisonville, KY 42431).