Mary Jo Rhode, 78, of Shippenville, passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2023. She is survived by her sons, David J. and Matthew P. Rhode. A member of the Drama Club in high school, Mary Jo attended Iowa State University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Art/Advertising Design in 1968. She worked three jobs to put herself through college. She married her husband, Dr. J. Ivan Rhode, on December 29 of 1968, and remained married until he passed in 2021.

The Rhode family moved around quite a lot. They initially lived in Ames, Iowa until several months after the birth of their first child, David, in 1971. At that time, Ivan took a position teaching in Germany. After two years, they returned to the United States, where Ivan took a position teaching at what was then Edinboro State College, while Mary Jo supported the family working at a local newspaper. While there, they had their second child, Matthew, in 1975. Edinboro was forced to lay off several newly tenured faculty due to financial circumstances, and in 1980, Ivan found a job working for Ebasco in New York, where he helped design nuclear power plants. While this was lucrative work, it required a very long commute from the family home in Garnerville to the Ebasco offices in 2 World Trade Center, and Mary Jo felt that Ivan needed to have more time available to spend with his family. Ivan was able to find a position at Clarion University in 1982, and this is where the family finally put down some roots.

Mary Jo worked several jobs to support her family after moving to Clarion. Starting as a cashier at the local Unimart (now Valero), she became a caseworker with Clarion County MH/MR in 1984. While at MH/MR she pursued a Master's degree in Rehab Science, which she obtained in 1990. Over time, Mary Jo rose through MH/MR becoming an Early Intervention Coordinator at Infant Stimulation, and eventually the Deputy Director of Clarion County MH/MR. After working for the county for 23 years she retired in 2008.

Mary Jo had many hobbies, interests, and activities. Mary Jo enjoyed her downtime and retirement as a consummate crafter, specifically piecing quilts, a love she acquired from her mother. Mary Jo also collected thimbles, owl figurines, German glass ornaments, and Beanie Babies. She was a member of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, and earned the Grand Cross of Color. She then became a member of the Eastern Star, in which she was a member for 50 years. She has served with Kiwanis Club of Clarion, PA as a member and treasurer for 32 years. She has also been a member of the League of Women's voters of Clarion, PA and was active in many other organizations in the community. Mary Jo was a truly good person. She was kind, caring, and considerate, and left a lasting impression wherever she went. She made many sacrifices for her family, and devoted herself to caring for her family and community.

Mary Jo's viewing will be on Saturday July 8, 2023 from 10:00 AM till 11:00 AM followed by a brief ceremony at 11:00 at the Goble Funeral Home & Crematory in Clarion, PA. Interment will follow at Clarion Cemetery beside her beloved husband Ivan.

In lieu of flowers, Mary Jo and the family would appreciate donations to the Kiwanis Club of Clarion, PA scholarship at Kiwanis Club of Clarion, PA Box. 43 Clarion PA, 16124, which she strongly supported.

Friends and family may send online condolences, order flowers and memorials, and obtain additional information by visiting www.goblefh.net.