Obituaries

Mary Jo Keefauver

June 12th, 1945 – December 9th, 2017

Mary Jo Keefauver, age 72 of Lewistown, IL, passed away at 6:16 a.m. Saturday, December 9, 2017 at St. Johns Hospital n Springfield, IL. She was born on June 12, 1945 in Macomb, IL, the daughter of Paul and Lela (Howell) Porter. On December 22, 1963, Mary Jo married Donald Keefauver in Ipava, IL. He survives.

Also surviving are 3 sons, Patrick (and Lori) Keefauver of East Peoria, IL, Dean (and Chrissy) Keefauver of Nashville, IN, and Kyle (and Kathy) Keefauver of Glasford, IL, her daughter Lori Jo (and Richard) Bushey of Strafford, MO, 15 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers, Sam (and Linda) Porter of Ipava, IL and Bill (and Nancy) Porter of Vermont, IL, and her sister Katherine (and Norm) Miller of Table Grove, IL.

Mary Jo loved handiwork, especially crocheting, knitting, needle point, and quilting. She made the best black raspberry jelly around and loved to can everything grown in the garden.

She was a loving mother who was always there for her children. Whether it was a sporting event, church activity or being their prayer warrior, Mary Jo loved being mom.

She loved music and playing the piano.

Mary Jo attended the Berean Christian Church in Ipava, IL.

Services will be held on Saturday, December 16th at 10:00 a.m. at the Berean Christian Church in Ipava. Pastor Doug Krukewitt will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 15th from 5-7 pm at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, IL. Interment will be in the Ipava Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Berean Christian Church Building Fund or St. Jude Midwest Affiliate in Peoria, IL.

Condolences

December 9th, 2017

DON,we are so saddened to hear of Mary Jo's passing, she was such a friend to me in school, a very friendly and sweet person, she has passed on into such Glory, oh that all people could see and know the Christ that was so precious to her, OUR prayers to you and yours,,, Joyce Chambers

December 10th, 2017

Jay and I are so saddened to hear about Mary Jo. What a lovely spirit. We are blessed to have known her. Prayers to you and your family. Jay and Sue Valencia

December 10th, 2017

George and I are so sad about Mary Jo's passing! She was such a dear friend to me. I loved her like a sister! She was such a special person! Please accept our heartfelt condolences!

December 10th, 2017

Richard and Lori Jo, I'm very sad for the pain you feel now, even though I know that you rejoice that she is in the presence of our Lord. I'll continue praying for the whole family. Much love to you.

December 10th, 2017

Richard, Lori Jo, Sarah, and Amanda,I am so sorry for your loss. I know you will miss her greatly. Praying for all of you.

December 10th, 2017

Don and family, Sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Lonnie, Kathy, Jacob and Jenifer Smith and Linda Smith.

December 10th, 2017

Mary Jo is a very special and warm memory of my teenage years in Lewistown. What a lovely woman who was a Godly example for us all. I’m so sorry for your loss. Much love to you all. Holly (Spotloe) Langster

December 10th, 2017

Don and family- So sorry to hear of your loss. Mary Jo was a special lady, always enjoyed talking with her. Joe Hughes

December 10th, 2017

Lori Jo, Richard, Amanda and Sarah, my deepest condolences. Even though you know she's walking the streets of gold, you're still sad that you'll have to wait a while to see her again. My prayers for comfort for all of you.
Tammy Cameron

December 10th, 2017

Lori Jo, Richard, Sarah & Amanda, This is such heartbreaking news. Praying for God's peace, comfort, and strength to wrap around each of you. Love you, Aunt Shar & Uncle Charlie

December 11th, 2017

Don and family, Dale and I will mourn the loss with you. When Lori married Pat, she brought you all into our family. The sense of humor, the smile and the hugs will all be missed. We love you!

December 11th, 2017

I am saddened to hear of Mary Jo's passing. I enjoyed visiting with her at church. Wish I had gotten to know her better. My condolences to her family. Cheryl Martindale

December 11th, 2017

Don and family, Please accept our condolences. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Charlie & Becky Shumaker

December 11th, 2017

We was saddened by the loss of Mary jo and know what the loss means to all the family, she always made everyone smile. She will be missed by all. Dale & Martha Chenoweth

December 12th, 2017

Don, Pat and families, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We hadn't seen much of Mary Jo in recent years, but remember her fondly. It was always good to see you both usually at the Fulton County Fair. You have our sympathy and prayers. Denny and Shirley Irwin

December 12th, 2017

We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We will be lifting the family in prayer. Gene & Elena Walker

December 13th, 2017

We are so very sorry for your loss. Mary Jo was a kind sweet lady. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ike and Linda Hackett

December 13th, 2017

Don and family, saddened to hear this news. Mary Jo was such a precious Christian lady who will be missed. Our prayers are with you. Bill & Cinda Richardson

December 13th, 2017

Don, so sorry to hear about Mary Jo's passing. She was my classmate, and I fondly remember when we used to keep in touch and share Christmas letters in past years. Heartfelt sympathy and prayers in the loss of your loved one.

December 13th, 2017

Don, so sorry to hear about Mary Jo's passing. She was my classmate, and I fondly remember when we used to keep in touch and share Christmas letters in past years. Heartfelt sympathy and prayers in the loss of your loved one. Gary & Cheryl (Cox) Matteson

December 14th, 2017

George and I are sad for you and your family, Don. May the Lord bless you and keep you. Alcinda and George Craft

December 14th, 2017

Denny and I are so sorry to hear of MaryJo’s passing. I had so much respect and admiration for her and her strength. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

December 15th, 2017

Don, Liz and I are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers. Mike McCloskey

December 15th, 2017

Don and family, we are very sorry to hear of Mary Jo's passing and our thoughts are with you. She will be fondly remembered from those wonderful Howell family reunion days. Mark and Scott Prickett and Jane Babineaux.

December 15th, 2017

Thinking of all of Mary Jo's family during this time and the days ahead. Sending our sympathy and prayers. Love, Linda, Franklin and Ethan Mikulich

December 16th, 2017

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Nelda and Jim Fell; Melba and Joe Harris

December 22nd, 2017

Don,my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I loved meeting and greeting you at our Church.Mary Jo was a wonderful,beautiful lady.I am thankful that I had the pleasure of being part of our congregation. I will always remember that beautiful smile and joy for the times that we had shared. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. You always had a great big sincere hug for me, as did Mary Jo. You will be in my thoughts and heart forever. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you in this time of need.

December 23rd, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of loss!
-Joe, Kristy(Malone) & Elijah Virag

November 11th, 2019

My sympathies to the family! Mary Jo was a sweet woman! I remember babysitting for her a long time ago! May God give you comfort!
Sharon (Nebergall) Bosserman