Mary Jo Janath (Cochran) Wenger, 75, daughter of Joe and Mary (Westerman) Cochran, was born May 26, 1938, in Raymondville, Mo. She passed away April 8, 2014, in St. Louis, Mo.
She grew up in the Raymondville area and went to Houston High School. She married at the age of 22, moving to the St. Louis area.
Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother and one sister, Ruth Ann Hibbler.
She is survived by two children: a daughter, Carolyn Wenger and future son-in-law, Ed Gonzalez, of St. Peters, Mo.; and a son, Robert Wenger and wife, Pamela, of St. Peters, Mo.; one grandson, Zach of St. Peters, Mo.; and nieces, nephews and a brother-in-law.
Mary Jo worked for the Ritenour School District. After her retirement, she spent years working on genealogy for her family and was instrumental in teaching others how to do research. She loved doing the research and sharing all the interesting facts of the families that she was related to. She enjoyed traveling and visited family throughout the United States. Baking those “special” desserts for her family was a wonderful gift she gave of herself, especially the Strawberry pies and German Chocolate Cakes. Just the thought of one of them could make your mouth water!! Mary Jo was also a gardener and loved the outdoors.
Another pastime of hers was watching the St. Louis Cardinals.
Mary Jo had a special place in her heart for her dog, a pug, Spanky. He had been part of her “family” for 12 years.
She will be missed by the many family and friends that knew and loved her.
Services were noon Saturday, April 12, 2014, at Evans Funeral Home with Pastor David Kettner officiating. Burial was in Allen Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Robert Wenger, Zachery Wenger, Ed Gonzalez and Dave Myers. Memorials may be made to Allen Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfh.com.
PAID
