Mary Luella (Murdock) Pickens, 97, of Martins Ferry, OH, died Monday, November 19, 2018 at Altercare Adena in Harrisville, OH. She was born on October 3, 1921 in New Kensington, PA, daughter of James and Mary (Kniseley) Murdock.

Lue was the beloved wife of Paul Pickens for nearly 71 years until he passed away in March of this year. Together, they raised a close-knit family on Scotch Ridge and tended the farm which has been in the Pickens name for over 210 years.

A graduate of Wayne High School in Bloomingdale, OH, Lue attended Steubenville Business College and was employed in a grocery store in Bloomingdale until she met and married Paul in 1947. She was a member of the Scotch Ridge Presbyterian Church, a member of the Order of Eastern Star and an integral part of the Scotch Ridge community.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Joe Murdock, sister Carol Kithcart, and an infant brother, Charles Howard. She is survived by her sister, Peggy Brown, her children, Kenneth (Mary) Pickens, Dean (Marsha) Pickens, Bruce Pickens and Jean (David) Merriman. In addition she is survived by grandchildren; Anna, Eliza, Ian, Mike, Josie, Andrea and Michael and several great grandchildren.

Her compassion for the less fortunate, her humor, and her enduring love will be missed by all who knew her. Her strong faith assured her and all of us that she will now be reunited in heaven with her beloved Paul.

Friends will be received at Heslop Funeral Home, 415 Walnut St., Martins Ferry, OH, Friday, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. where services will be held Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Joe Ellis officiating. Burial follows in Scotch Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Alexander Family Cemetery Association, 55101 Deep Run Rd., Martins Ferry, OH 43935.

Condolences to the family may be made by signing the guest book at the top of this posting.