Mrs. Mary Jo (Johnson) Shover

Mrs. Mary Jo Shover, 92, of Stronghurst, Illinois, formerly of Galesburg and Knoxville died at 12:18 p.m. Sunday, February 10, 2019 at Oak Lane Nursing Home and Rehab in Stronghurst. 

She was born May 10, 1926 in Galesburg to Tyko and Violet Larson Johnson.  She married Wesley Jean Shover September 9, 1945 in Knoxville, Illinois. 

Surviving is a son, Steve (and Cathy) Shover of Victoria, Illinois; two daughters, Jo Lynn (and William) Ackman of Stronghurst and Cathi Shover of Indianapolis, Indiana; a brother, Gary (and Diane) Johnson of Derby, Indiana; a sister, Joy Bair of Galesburg; a granddaughter; Michelle Voeller of Madison, Alabama; two step grandchildren, Shelley (and Todd) Washburn of Victoria, Illinois and Asa Gaszak of Jacksonville, Florida; two great grandchildren, Taylor and Paris Gleason; and three step great grandchildren, Jay and Kaylee Elizondo and Logan Washburn.  She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Max Johnson and Kenny Johnson; and a very special friend, Richard DeBaugh.

Mary Jo graduated from Victoria High School in 1943.  She was an executive secretary at Sears and Roebuck Company for 24 years.  She was also an administrative assistant for the Knox County Office of Education for 13 and a half years and retired in February of 1999.  She attended the First Church of God in Galesburg.  She was a Reading Buddy at Nielson School for many years and volunteered for Community Treasures in Galesburg.  Mary Jo loved to do crossword puzzles and play bridge and was in several bridge groups. 

Cremation will be accorded.  A Celebration of Life will be 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel.  A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the chapel.  Cremation burial will be in Wataga Cemetery, Wataga, Illinois.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com. 

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