Mary Jo Stump Smith Ross

Mary Jo Stump Smith Ross passed away peacefully on Friday, May 30, 2025 at her residence in Springfield, Louisiana, at the age of 88. She was born on Wednesday, October 7, 1936 in Danville, Illinois. She had a rich life filled with various interests and activities. She enjoyed camping, traveling, and watching basketball. She also took pleasure in crocheting, cross-stitching, and playing cards with family and friends. Additionally, she cherished spending time with the ladies from Blood River Church of God.

Mary Jo is survived by her beloved family: her daughter, Deborah Winger (Daniel) of Oxford, IN; stepdaughters, Rhonda Wilson (Rex) of Attica, IN and Marilyn Watkins of Lafayette, IN; sister, Sue Allison (Robert) of Williamsport, IN; and 10 grandchildren, Stephanie Davis (Ryan) of Springfield, LA, Jennifer Davis (Andrew) of Frankfort, IN, Courtney Hanshew (Jason) of Otterbein, IN, Caleb Winger (Lindsey) of West Lebanon, IN, , Sgt. Seth Smith (Shay) of Peyton, CO, Nicole Schrader (Mike) of Georgetown, IL, Tanya Beliles (Fred) of Williamsport, IN, Amanda Wilson (Mark Gann) of Attica, IN, April Nowicki of Williamsport, IN, and Crystal Woody (Dirk) of West Lafayette, IN. She is also survived by 19 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many family members and friends.

Mary Jo was married to Robert Smith from October 26, 1963 until his death in 2004. She later married James Ross on June 4, 2006, and they remained married until his death in 2023.

She was also preceded in death by her beloved son, David Smith; parents, Joseph H. and Jean L. Stump; sisters, Marge Simpson, Merle Holler, Eva Marquess Swarner, and Betty Green; and grandson, Nathaniel Winger.

A Celebration of Mary Jo’s Life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to LN Hughes Funeral Services of Ponchatoula, Louisiana.