Mary Jo Robertson

Mary Jo Robertson

Mary Jo Robertson, 87, Topeka, died Wednesday, August 18, 2004 at her home. Mary Jo was born Aug. 18, 1917, southeast of Valley Falls, the daughter of Henry and Grace Campbell Shermer. She graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1934. Mary Jo s upbringing on the family farm helped her to excel in her passion, home economics. At the age of 17, Mary Jo married her high school sweetheart, Leon Kessinger Robertson. They resided on a farm outside of Valley Falls. Mary Jo graduated from NEKA Vo-Tech as a beautician, Marcel s being her specialty. Leon and Mary Jo Robertson were lifelong partners, enjoying a marriage of 69 years. Leon and Mary gave birth to daughters Jan and Mel. The Robertson family moved to Topeka in 1941, upon the acceptance of Leon s new career with the Santa Fe Railroad. Mary Jo worked as a proofreader for Capper Publications, earned her real estate license, and was the quantity sales rep for Russell Stover Candies in Topeka. She was president of the Central Park PTA., Newcomers Club, and Past Presidents Club. Mary Jo sponsored the Bobby Socks Club of Highland Park and was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Valley Falls and the Highland Park United Methodist Church in Topeka. Mary Jo enjoyed participating in several bridge clubs. The friends that she developed from her card playing parties provided many fond memories that she held close and dear to her heart. Throughout her life she cherished her relationships with her family and friends. Mary Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Leon, on March 7, 2004; her parents, Henry and Grace Shermer; and her only sister, Pauline Fosen. Mary Jo is survived by daughter, Mel James and her husband, Bill; a daughter, Jan Terrell; a grandson, Randy Badsky and his wife, Sue; a grandson, Kevin Terrell; a granddaughter, Kim Baum and her husband, Tim; a grandson, Derek Badsky; great-grandchildren, Zachary Terrell and his wife, Sarah, Shannon Grant and her husband , Christian, Schuyler Baum, Samantha Baum and Nick Badsky, and a great-great-grandson Gabriel Moses Terrell. Mary Jo will lie in state from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 24 at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 N.W. Independence Ave., Topeka. Our family invites you to join us for a light lunch and visitation at 11:30 a.m., at Dawson Hall prior to the services at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 25 at Highland Park United Methodist Church, 29th and Michigan, Topeka. Graveside services will follow at Valley Falls Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Midland Hospice, 200 S.W. Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kan. 66606-2800, or to Highland Park United Methodist Church, 2914 S.E. Michigan, Topeka, Kan. 66605-2686. Online condolences may be sent to www.penwellgabel.com . Grandma, thank you for all the days, when you ve been there, helping, giving, caring and for all the days that have been brighter, happier, richer, because of you.