Mary Jo Memke

Mary Jo Memke passed away on January 12th, 2025. She was born on January 24th, 1930, to the late Oscar and Gladys (Putman) Buxton, in Cincinnati, her lifelong home. A gifted singer and piano player, Mary Jo performed in school and church productions at an early age. While in High School she became part of a vocal trio, known as the Music Maids, that recorded a record and sang on local television.

Mary Jo graduated from Withrow High School where she met her husband, the late William "Ken" Memke. Within the span of their 69 year long adventure together, they raised four children, welcomed seven grandchildren, developed decades-long friendships, served their community, actively participated in their church and navigated the Ohio River in their beloved houseboat.

In addition to being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Mary Jo was appreciated for her talent as an excellent cook who hosted large, memorable family holiday meals and celebrations. Among her most famous was her epic Easter egg hunt - a particular favorite of her grandchildren who inspired it. Along with treasured memories of these events, each child has a volume of carefully curated favorite recipes entitled "Nanny's Best" to carry on her culinary traditions. Besides her meticulously recorded recipes, Mary Jo leaves behind a voluminous collection of journals that showcase her talent for writing in chronicling happenings big and small.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her husband Ken, her brother John "Jack" Buxton, and her daughter Susan Veldkamp. She is survived by her children Sharon (Chris) Wright, David (Julie) Memke, Sally (John) Vogele, and her son in law, Brad Veldkamp; her grandchildren Kristen (Ben) Cox, Whitney Wright (Rob Decoste), Matthew (Morgan) Wright, Nicholas (Kate) Vogele, Jack Vogele, Elana Memke, Olivia Memke; her great grandchildren Emma and Madison Decoste, as well as her dear, devoted friend Virginia Kadel.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.