Mary Jo Rostek of
Claremore, OK, died on December 20, 2023, at the age of 88. She was born
to Bernard and Lucille Hayworth in Terre Haute, IN. Shortly after her birth, she received the gift
of Holy Baptism and became a child of God. Upon graduation from Indiana State Teachers
College in Terre Haute, she was joined together in holy matrimony to Wayne Rostek in 1957.
They soon moved to
St. Charles, MO, living there for almost 20 years. Together, they raised five
children. In 1980, the family moved to Claremore. Mary Jo taught at Claremore High School
for over 15 years. She was a longtime member of Redeemer Lutheran Church where she taught
Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, sang in the choir, stocked the food pantry, and served
in a variety of other capacities. For many years, she delivered Meals on Wheels and assembled
Bibles with Lutheran Braille Workers. Mary Jo and Wayne had a love for travel, and their
adventures took them throughout North America and to many countries beyond.
She is survived by her children Rick (Lois) Rostek, Judy (Mike) Ward, Amy (Don) Vasquez,
Nancy (Roger) Baalman, and Janet (Jeff) Preisack; sisters Alice Dial, Bernadette (Ronald)
Beyers, Susan (Rich) Zollinger, and brother Joseph (Teresa) Hayworth; She is also survived by
numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death
by her husband, her parents, and a dear cousin, Barbara Green.
A Memorial Service will take place at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 210 Seminole, in Claremore
on December 26, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. Donations may be made in Mary Jo's memory to
Redeemer Lutheran Church, Claremore Meals on Wheels, and Lutheran Braille Workers.
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
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