Mary Jo Crouch

Mary Jo Crouch, 90, of Muncie, Indiana passed away on October 8, 2025. She was surrounded by loved ones after a long, full life devoted to family, faith, and community. She was born on February 6, 1935, in Muncie, to Cecil and Martha Ray Madill. A graduate of Royerton High School, Mary Jo went on to attend Ball State University. On September 11, 1954, she married the love of her life, Don Crouch, and together they shared 69 wonderful years fille with devotion and joy.
Mary Jo was a longtime member of DeSoto United Methodist Church, where she was active in the United Women in Faith Circles. She was also a member of the Royerton Home Economics Club and spent over 50 years working side by side with Don on the family farm – a life marked by hard work, faith, and a deep commitment to family and community.
Known affectionately as "Grandma Jo", she poured her heart into her family. She is survived by her two daughters, Polly Ems (Rod) and Lisa Herd (Tim); grandchildren Erin Keffaber (Brad), Katie Warnock (Kevin), Abby Vander Veer, Kyle Ems, and Taylor Ice (Ben); and six great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense pride and joy.
Mary Jo had a lifelong love of 4-H – first as a member, later as a parent, and proudly as a grandparent and great-grandparent. She and Don also enjoyed traveling and exploring the world together, visiting many countries throughout their marriage.
A gifted homemaker, Mary Jo's hobbies included sewing, cooking, and canning. She was known for preparing countless delicious meals for family and friends over the years – her cobblers and banana bread will be remembered fondly by all who gathered around her table.
More than anything, Mary Jo was loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She had a kind heart, a patient ear, and a gift for offering thoughtful advice. Her family will forever remember her as a source of wisdom, warmth, and unconditional love.
A memorial service to celebrate Mary Jo's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 26th, at DeSoto United Methodist Church, with calling from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Pastor Katie Starks will officiate.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of Morrison Woods, Heart to Heart Hospice, and special caregiver Jamie Kantz for their loving care and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to DeSoto United Methodist Church, 6309 North County Road 500 East, Muncie, IN 47303, or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Mary Jo's legacy of love, faith, and family will live on in all who knew her.
All arrangements are entrusted to The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel and online condolences may be left for the family at www.meeksmortuary.com