Josephine Blanche Hendrickson, 80 of Marion, died Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at Marion General Hospital.
She was born October 3, 1936 in Marion to the late Charles Herbert and Mary Ann (Jacobs) Huntsman. She was also preceded in death by her former husband, Donald E. Hendrickson, three brothers, Billy, Clifford and Harvey Huntsman; two sisters, Edie Hoover and Cora Ledley; a granddaughter, great grandson and great-great-grandson.
Josephine loved everyone and everything. Family was her #1 love; she was Grandma Jo or Aunt Jo to anyone who came into her life. A breast cancer survivor, she loved life to its fullest and never knew a stranger. Her favorite hobbies were, of course, bingo and going to the casino. Her nickname was “Bingo Jo” and her favorite place was Baseball for Boys in Marion.
Jo retired from Siemans in 1995 as a big press operator for over 20 years. She was also a school bus driver in the early seventies and was the first to implement a safety program in North Union in case of any emergencies on buses. Jo had a patriotic heart and was always supportive of the veterans.
She raised 5 daughters as a single mother and was very proud of each and every one of them. She loved to go on vacations, and her daughter Robin was her favorite traveling companion, hitting casinos all over the country! She loved to visit her daughters in many states, such as Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Nevada and Arizona.
Her favorite place though was living at Chadwick Place in Marion for over 10 years where she had many friends and where she met her male companion, “Ole Bob” Parish, and they would head down to Waldo for the famous bologna sandwich.
Her compassion for helping others and making everyone feel loved was her special trait that helped set an example in the lives of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many others. She loved to dance and sing to country music, especially Johnny Cash. She left a memorable impression on everyone she encountered, whether it was telling jokes, singing songs, making food for others or just a smile and hello to brighten your day. This world will sadly miss this incredibly strong willed woman and she would like to leave you with this in your daily lives: WWJD, “What Would Jo Do?” Every time you give, you get back in line to receive. We received a lot of love from this woman and she will be deeply missed by all her family and friends.
She is survived by her daughters, Donna Hendrickson, Dayton; Bonnie Madden, Leesville, LA; Peggy (Dan) Nelson, Richwood; Robin (Dave) Herzog, West Liberty; Bobbie (Jeremy) Amberson, Reno, Nevada; a sister, Barbara Allinder, Marion; 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren and her best friend, Bob Parish, Marion.
Funeral services will be Sunday, April 30, 2017 at 1:00 PM at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home, Richwood with Pastor Richard Douglas officiating. Burial will follow in Claibourne Cemetery. Friends may call on Saturday from 4 to 7 PM.
Memorial gifts may be made to The Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer, 660 Ackerman Road, 6th Floor, PO Box 183112, Columbus, OH 43218-3112
Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com.
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