Mary Jo Rhea, age 81, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on March 26, 2024, at Ash Grove Healthcare Facility. Mary Jo was born to Russell Montgomery and Vestelene (Price) Montgomery on November 4, 1942, in Greenfield, Missouri. She was raised in Willard and graduated from high school in 1960. Mary Jo was united in marriage to Donald Rhea on November 9, 1962, in Willard, Missouri. Mary Jo and Donnie shared 61 years together. They were blessed with two children, Amy Rhea Rutledge and John Rhea.

Mary Jo was employed as a legal secretary for 40 plus years. She retired from the Missouri Court of Appeals. She had a green thumb and was gifted with the ability to grow almost any type of plant or flower. She spent a lot of time outside working in her flowerbeds. She also enjoyed her sunroom, which was full of beautiful plants and flowers. She had a beautiful singing voice. She loved attending her kids’ and grandkids’ activities and sporting events. She taught youth and women’s Sunday School.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by Russell Montgomery, father and Vestelene Montgomery, mother. She is survived by her husband, Donnie Rhea; brother, Tom Montgomery; brother, Ed Montgomery and his wife, Susie; daughter, Amy Rutledge her husband, Michael and their children, Jacob (his wife Kaiti, and their four children) and Luvo; son John Rhea and his wife, Nancy and his daughter, Britney; and an abundance of wonderful nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Mary Jo will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield, Missouri. A Celebration of Life Service for Mary Jo will immediately follow the visitation at 11:30 am at Greenlawn North, with burial at Clear Creek Cemetery, south of Willard, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Mary Jo’s name to Ash Grove Healthcare Facility, 401 N Medical Dr, Ash Grove, MO 65604.

Mary Jo’s funeral arrangements are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield, Missouri.