Jo Ann Hediger

Jo Ann Hediger, 83, of Salem passed away Thursday, March 12, 2026, surrounded by her family at her home. She was born on December 6, 1942, in Odin, the daughter of Lenard and Mildred (Gillmore) Heinrich. She married the love of her life, Eugene Hediger on August 3, 1963, and he preceded her in death on January 26, 2016.

Survivors that will remember Jo's immense love for her family include, her sons, Rickey Hediger, and Douglas Hediger; grandchildren, Justen, Racheal and Gavin Hediger; great-grandchild, Ryker Anderson; brothers, Les (Renee) Heinrich, and Wayne (Carolyn) Heinrich; sisters, Donna Gramlick, and Sharon (Dennis) Ohair; seven nieces and nephews; and many extended family members and friends.

Along with her husband, Eugene Hediger, Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Lenard and Mildred Heinrich; her brother-in-law, Howard Gramlick; and her son Michael Hediger.

Jo was raised with a strong work ethic, and she had the natural drive to bring her best to every job. She was a loyal employee of various local businesses over the years, Demouline's in Greenville and Centralia, Old Dress Factory in Centralia, Miss Elaine's in Centralia, and Winning Edge in Centralia. Jo attended Barr Christian Shattuc UMC and was a part of the Young Christian Chapel.

She was a woman who believed that love was best shown through action. Whether she was baking beautiful wedding cakes for friends and family, carefully hand-sewing quilts that would warm generations, or preparing her home for gatherings filled with laughter, she gave her time and heart generously. Her kitchen was often the center of family life. Many special moments were shared around her table, where she delighted loved ones with home-cooked meals and her famous cherry delight.

More than anything, she will be remembered for the love she poured into the simple, meaningful things-bringing people together, making others feel welcome, and turning ordinary days into cherished memories. With loving remembrance, we celebrate the life of a remarkable woman whose kindness, hard work, and devotion to family touched everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval with Pastor Rusty Courson officiating. Interment will follow at the Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Relatives and friends are welcome to a visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home in Sandoval. Memorials may be made in Jo's honor to SSM Health Residential Hospice. Online condolences and memories of Jo may be shared with her family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home's Facebook page.