MaryJo Holford

MaryJo Holford (83) entered the gates of heaven on July 28, 2025.

Daughter of Harry Ward, Jr. and Arlene M. Witschi -Ward, MaryJo was born in Washington, IL on June 7, 1942, and lived her entire life in the community she loved to serve.

She is survived by her husband (Kenneth G. Holford), her son (Chris Holford), daughter (Jill Marie Gambill), several nieces and nephews, seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and two siblings, Suellen Goken (sp., Richard) and Bradley A. Ward (sp., Jewel). She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers-in-law.

A graduate of Washington Community High School, MaryJo was recognized as one of the top 10 graduates of her class of 1960 and was selected as a member of the National Honor Society. After high school, MaryJo enrolled at Methodist Hospital School of Nursing, where she received her diploma as a registered nurse, earning a perfect grade point average in 1963. MaryJo returned to receive her BSN from the College of St. Francis in Joliet at a time when many nurses only pursued a diploma or certificate. Again, she graduated with a perfect grade point average in 1983.

MaryJo's professional experiences included: Clinical Coordinator for the James Riley Medical Practice in Eureka; Endoscopy Staff Nurse for Methodist Medical Center; Clinical Coordinator for Gastroenterology, Ltd.; Nursing Supervisor for Interim Health; Clinical Coordinator for Heartland Community Health, all in Peoria.

Among her many professional accomplishments, she assisted St. Mark's Lutheran Church in developing a Parish Nursing Program (1998-2013), one of the few of its kind at the time. Concurrently, she served as the Parish Nurse for over 1500 congregants, selflessly dedicating thousands of hours caring for members of St. Mark's, their children, parents, and family members. Her parish nursing program also became a template for countless Christian congregations throughout the country. In addition to her professional career, MaryJo served the community for many years as a member of the Tazewell County Board. This continued the legacy established by her mother, Arlene Ward, who served as the first female member of the board years earlier.

MaryJo and Kenneth were married on April 20, 1963 (62 years). The two high school sweethearts built a beautiful life together in Washington, raising their children and many of their grandchildren in the same community they loved. MaryJo treasured her children and their families, as well as her many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Spoiling grandchildren was among her favorite activities, as was attending their numerous events. MaryJo also enjoyed gardening, reading, traveling, baking, as well as hosting monthly "dinner club" events for her circle of friends.

MaryJo will be remembered for her sacrifice, service, compassion, and her ability to bake.

A public visitation will be held at Mason White Funeral Home in Washington on Friday, August 8, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. A private family funeral service and burial will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Washington Historical Society (her mother, Arlene, helped found) or St. Mark's Lutheran Church Parish Nursing Program in Washington, IL. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington has been entrusted with arrangements. To share a memory or send a condolence to her family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.