Mary Lou Kalas

Mary Lou Kalas, 90, of Raleigh, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026, surrounded by her family. Mrs. Kalas was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Edwin Charles Wettrich and Ethel Louise Kellogg in 1935. Preceded in death by her husband, George Kalas, whom she married in 1956 and moved to Raleigh, NC, in 1959, where they raised their beloved daughters, Kim and Karen.

Together they established Piedmont Assembly Products in 1965, followed by Kalas Properties in 1990. Her intelligence and oversight were major assets in the success of both the Kalas’ Companies.

Lovingly known as “Grandma”, you could find her enjoying time at the Crystal Coast making memories fishing with George and friends. She also loved spending time at home with her beloved cat, Kora, watching and feeding the wildlife in her yard, enjoying a sporting game, or reading a mystery novel. Mary Lou cherished her friends deeply, including those formed within her Shaw High School Sorority, AMO, especially her best friend, Joanie. Mary Lou never met a stranger, speaking to everyone in her path, and she loved spending time on the phone with friends, new and old. Grandma dearly loved her granddaughters, Kalas and Karli, excited to keep up with their adventurous lives.

Mrs. Kalas is survived by her daughters, Karen Kalas of Knightdale, and Kim Kalas Pendergraft and husband Bob ofWake Forest; granddaughters, Kalas Pendergraft (Anibal Moya) of Wilmington and Karli Pendergraft (Chase Nelson) of Asheville; her two sisters, Kathy Evilsizer of Crystal River, FL, and Christine Longano of Cleveland, OH

“KEEP YOUR WITS ABOUT YOU!” –Mary Lou Kalas

Contributions can be made to North Carolina Wildlife Habitat Foundation, PO Box 10743, Wilmington, NC 28404.

 Private services will be held; however, friends may visit with the family 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Sunday afternoon, June 7, 2026 at Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919) 556- 7400. (919-556-7400)

www.cswfuneralhome.com