Mary Jo Lavengood

Mary Jo Lavengood passed away quietly on Oct. 11, 2018 after a long battle with ill health. Her son, Joe, had been caring for her and was at her side. Mary Jo was born November 9, 1940 in Martinsville, Indiana to Charles and Anna Jane Lavengood. She graduated from Southport High School in 1958 and attended Indiana University. She continued her education at IU School of Medicine and earned her certification for a Licensed Practical Nurse. She followed that profession for 25+years caring for many sick and elderly people in various nursing homes. Her sense of duty, patience, and sympathy for others made her a very successful person and nurse. In 1986 she made a major move to an area she loved, Sedona, Arizona. She thoroughly enjoyed her years there even though it meant traveling the distance to Phoenix several days a week for work. On these days she could make sure her parents were doing fine and care for their needs. Eventually though, a move had to be made to Sun City, Arizona. This was to care for them and also her own health problems. Mary Jo loved to travel and was able to do so extensively. She gathered many items from far away places and displayed them in her home. This was a passion that came from childhood as she, her sister and her parents made many road trips together. She was able to travel with her children and grand-children and watch them see different parts of the world. She also enjoyed swimming, sightseeing, and haunting the thrift shops for bargains. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, love of family, friends, traveling, her sense of humor and of course the trips to the thrift stores. Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Linda Lavengood. Survivors include her son, Joseph Blanton and wife Ann, daughter Kim Lavengood, also two grand-daughters, Crystal and Leanna. One great grand-daughter, the joy of her life, Zoe. She will be terribly missed by all who knew her.