Mary Lois Wooden (née Schoch), 73, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026.

Mary was born in Louisville on August 3, 1953, to Lawrence and Jacqueline Schoch. A graduate of Southern High School, she never stopped learning. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Data Processing from Western Kentucky University, a Master of Business Administration from Bellarmine University, an Advanced Certificate in Ministry Studies from Boyce College, and a Master of Arts in Education from Ashford University.

On August 24, 1974, Mary married Johnny Garry Wooden. Together they raised their children, gave back to their community, and built a life rooted in faith.

Mary's career spanned several organizations, including more than 30 years at KFC — she started when the Colonel still roamed the halls. She was a builder of teams, pushing her people and leaders to become the best versions of themselves.

Her greatest passions were education and her faith, and she gave them freely through years of mentorship and tutoring. Later in life she returned to the classroom to earn her master's in education and began teaching at Cornerstone Academy, sharing her love of learning with a new generation.

Mary built teams in her personal life, too. She served her church in several ways and was its treasurer for 18 years. She was the Girl Scout Troop Cookie Chairman for many years and carved out time for bowling, bridge, logic puzzles, board games, and more with friends and family. She prioritized sit-down dinners on busy weeknights and in her free time read every Mary Higgins Clark book. Above all, she was a beloved wife, mom, grandma, and great-grandma.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Garry; her children, Brian (Misty) and Stacy Wilkerson (Jeremy); her grandchildren, Tori Morrison (Tanner), Ethan Dixon, and Brady; her great-grandchildren, Teagan and Tiernan; her siblings, Dr. Lawrence Schoch (Jennifer) and Janice Richards; nine nieces and five nephews; and a loving extended family.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026. A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, September 4, preceded by visitation from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. All services will be held at Fern Creek Funeral Home, 5406 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40291.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Mary to the Highland Park First Baptist Memorial Fund.