Mary Jo Staub

1925 - 2022

Mary Jo Staub of Louisville, Colorado passed away on February 26th at the age of 97. She was born in Bluffton, Ohio on February 16th, 1925. She was preceded by her beloved husband, Willard E. Staub, is survived by her loving family: Daughters: Nancy Staub, Susie McLean and Betsy Grainger, Grandchildren: Ruston and Jessie McLean; and James Grainger, Kristen Kruse and Lauren Peters, Son in-laws Donald McLean and Thomas Grainger, Sisters: Jean Hull and Helen Lloyd. Mary Jo Main grew up on a farm in Ada, Ohio. In high school she was a cheerleader, a drum majorette and she discovered her knack for numbers, typing and shorthand. Upon graduating, she worked as secretary for a manufacturing company in Cleveland, Ohio. During this period, her life was shaped around World War II efforts to support the troops. It was during a war time event her life took a turn to meet the love of her life, Willard E. Staub. Across the dance floor her eyes locked with his and a marriage of 69 years evolved into a lifetime adventure together. The married couple headed to California and raised their family. Eventually they settled in Newport Beach, California. Mary Jo's life revolved around activities such as deep-sea fishing, trout fishing, camping, cooking, sewing (she made all her daughters' clothing into their high school years) and teaching her daughters about life and work. She achieved her private pilot's license in 1962. She enjoyed playing cards and was a fierce adversary in Bridge, Hearts, and Euchre to name a few. Mary Jo became interested in investing in real estate, buying properties to fix them up, and used her sewing skills to start her own business "Alteration Alley". In addition to her sewing business, she was always looking for ways to increase income which was a result of living through the Great Depression. To achieve this goal Mary Jo used her creativity and ingenuity to accomplish the following: she made and sold paper machete jewelry, burlap handbags, macrame wall hangings and handmade Christmas ornaments. She sold squash blossom necklaces and contacted local businesses to sell her home-grown limes, lemons and avocados. When it was time for retirement, she took up horseback riding. Mounted side by side on Keno and Dolly, Mary Jo and Willard took riding lessons, rode in parades and took trail rides. After years of enjoying the horses, it was decided it might be wise to take up golf. She enjoyed building a home in the Hassayampa Golf Club in Prescott, Arizona. Years later Mary Jo and Willard settled in Colorado where they were closer to their daughters. In 2017, Willard her soulmate of 69 years, passed away at the age of 93. Mary Jo, then 95 ever the farm girl, carried on with her life with her beloved dog, Oppie by her side. Mary Jo worked all her years to get ahead and provide a wonderful life for her family. She lived her life as a devoted and loving wife, mother, and entrepreneur. Mary Jo will be greatly missed by all that knew her and forever be an inspiration to her family on how hard work, grit and determination will take one far in life. Rest In Peace. You are loved beyond words. A life well lived. A memorial service will be planned. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Veterans program of your choice.