Funeral services for Mary Jo Elston, 77, Lawrence, will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, with Terry Jacobsen officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Mrs. Elston died Sunday, January 8, 2012, at her home.
She was born Feb. 27, 1934, in Reading, Kan., the daughter of Lewis Myron and Mabel Nona Workman Brittain. She attended Liberty Memorial High School.
Mrs. Elston was a clerk at Howard Pine’s Garden Center and Green Houses in North Lawrence for 17 years. She had previously worked at Muncher’s Bakery and as a daycare provider, providing care for many of her own grandchildren, great-grandchildren and children of many friends. She was a member, office holder, and Hall of Fame member of the Lawrence Women’s Bowling Association. She participated in, and coached women’s co-ed slow pitch softball and volleyball, and many called her “Grandma.” She was an avid Lawrence High School football supporter. She enjoyed Kansas University Athletics, and worked in concessions at many events. She also enjoyed supporting and watching all the athletic events her grandchildren were involved in.
She married Duane A. Elston on Jan. 17, 1950, in Lawrence. He survives of the home.
Other survivors include two sons, Larry Elston and Scott Elston, both of Lawrence; two daughters, Jo Lee Erskin, Eudora, and Michelle Elston, Tonganoxie, a bother, Joseph Brittain and wife Josephine, Medford, Ore.; a sister, Imogene Kilgore and husband William, Lawrence; ten grandchildren, Stefan, Shaun, Nathan, and Christopher Elston, Tiffany Medina, Jeremy, Misty, and Justin Nichols, and Jasen and Kayla Hadl; one step grandson, Dustin Hadl; 17 great-grandchildren, Courtney, Kyler, Cameron, Jackson, Maya, Ethan, Aiden, Seth, Brooklynne, Cody, Caden, Devon, Shauna, Gracelynne, Chasity, Jaden, and Zarius; and three step great-grandchildren, Mason, Riley, and Bella, and adopted granddaughter, Shelly Armstrong.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and a son, Rick Elston.
Friends may call from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, where the family will receive them from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Visiting Nurses, or Douglas County Youth Sports, in care of the funeral home, 601 Ind., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
To the Elston family. Mary Jo (Grandma/mom) will truly be missed by us. We lived across the street for many years. I remember when the boys were young she was out front of her house and I don’t know if it Jeremy, Misty or Justin that got in trouble but I do remember she had a red waffle bat and chased down one of you and you got the bat on your butt. I told the boys I should send them over to her to give them a wack! In later years I was told she got Jake and I’m sure he needed it!Then was the time the dog we had saw her bent over working in the yard and the dog jumped on her and face planted her in the font of the house, ran in the house did a U turn and I know she was shocked. Later on we started working at Pine’s together. She was my rock! We shared many things about our kids, good news, bad news, good times and lots of tears. My MJ will be missed!!
Mary Jo was always on the go with either a child or sports equipment under her arms. And what a pair her and Imogene were, especially on the diamond! While she will be missed in a big way, you won’t need to look far to see the impact she had on her family and the community. Laughter and Joy of which she was a big supplier, Mary Jo never turned a stray away. You could say she helped to raise many of us…
Thank you Mary Jo!
JoLee and family. We are saddened at the loss of your Mother. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. May she rest in peace.
We were saddened by the death of Mary Jo. Our contact with her was at Pines (could it be 17 years?) where she combined knowledge and much pleasantness. She loved to talk flowers, especially roses, and with her guidance we began experiments with Drift Roses. We will miss her, and Pines will seem sadly incomplete without her presence.
She was one of the great knowledgeable gardeners in Lawrence.
I am so sorry to learn of Mary Jo’s passing. What great memories I have, on and off the softball field.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers… Wish I could be there.
Justin, Jeremy and misty, our hearts go out to you and your family. I remember grandma from back in the days at Grant. She was a wonderful and fun lady! If there is anything that my family can do, please let us know. Remember that god calls us all home one day, and she is hanging out with him in a pain free and loving place. Prayers to you and the family!
Patrick & Amy Rooney
785-764-1478
Scott and the rest of the Elston family sorry for your loss. Scotty I know your mom was your rock. You all are in my thoughts.
Mary Jo was my neighbor and my softball coach/teammate. Win or lose, we always had so much fun! I have so many fond memories of playing ball with Mary Jo,Imogene, Jo Lee, and Michelle. I remember so many times we went to tournaments out of town and she always had a cooler stocked with icy cold drinks and a bag full of sunflower seeds and snacks. What an extremely giving and caring person Mary Jo was. She will be an “All-Star” in heaven as much as she was here on earth!
To the Elston family. I was so schocked to read this about Mary Jo. I have known her since I was a young person. I always enjoyed seeing her when I went into Pine’s every spring. My prayers are with you and my thoughts. God be with you and give you strength and comfort. Karen
Although I did not play for Mary Jo I have many fond memories of softball games against her (played for the Binches) and lots of respect. More recently memories of her humor and smile while visiting Pines over a span of many years. Many trips during the spring, summer, and fall. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the Elston family.
I am sorry to hear of your loss. The Elston family is in my thoughts.
Mary Jo always had a smile on her face.We are sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you.
To Cotton and Family: So sorry to hear about Mary Jo. You have our deepest sympathies. Unfortunately we will not be able to attend the services, due to our very recent move to Florida. Again, we are very sorry to hear this sad news. Clifford & Becky Elston
I am so incredibly sorry to learn of Mary Jo’s passing. What great memories we all have of the old softball days. Wish I could be there. Sincerely, Bonnie
Sandy and I will always remember what a beautiful person Mary Jo was. Her and Imogene helped shape us into the people that we are today. They both mentored us at church and in our youth groups and demonstrated everyday that it was ok to be who you are, God loved you regardless!!! Mary Jo gave us courage, love and the gift of laughter – for that we will always be thankful! Blessings and comfort to her family.
There are no words that can express my deepest sympathy to the Elston family and what you are going through. One thing for certain is that she is in no pain. She was a special lady and a big part of my life and my daughter Kim (Kimer). When Kim would do something wrong she would say “now Kimer” you better stop that. LOL. Mary Jo was a sporty lady. If we were not playing volleyball we were playing softball and if that was not in season we were bowling. I can remember her telling me “Kathy” when you go to threw that bowling ball make your you have that towel under your arm so that when you threw that ball it will help you to put it where it needs to be. Another great moment with her was when we decided to all go to Tampa Bay Florida to bowl. We all decided to take Imo’s van and in that van there were eight of us trying to make it to Florida. What a trip to remember. There are some many more but these are just a few. She was a good wife, mother, sister, grandmother as well as a dear friend. She will be truly missed. Love to all of you and remember she is in a much better place now. Mike and Kathy
Grandma Jo,you will be missed but not forgotten.I will always remember the good times we had when I was A little girl. I enjoyed being with you when I was little and you took care of me when mom was at work , we had lots of fun together playing games but most of all I will miss being in your arms and feeling you holding me close . You will always be in my heart. LOVE KIMBERLY MANN/GOWING
Monday nights will never be the same! She will be dearly and sorely missed by all us Monday night Rec league volleyballers!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Our prayers are with each and everyone of you. She was a great person. If she was not bowling she was on the softball field or playing volleyball. Remembering the good old days and our softball team GBK..Great Big Kids is what she called us. Remembering working the KU games both football and basketball. This special lady did it all…Love you bunches Grandma Jo you will be miss dearly by all. Again my thoughts and prayers are with the family. Love forever Randy, Nancy, Randall and NaTashia(also known as Tashey to Grandma Jo)
So many memories of Mary Jo that I don’t have the space to put them all in writing… I think the one that I will always remember the most was the night I was playing slow-pitch for her (imagine that) and as Mary Jo knew, I was a dead pull hitter… usually several feet foul down the 3rd base line… you would have thought she would have moved out of the coach’s box and into the dugout, but instead she stayed in. Needless to say, I hit the ball foul. She turned towards the outfield, while ducking, and the ball hit her in the back of the head… she would not go to the ER until after the game… don’t remember how many stitches she took, but it was a few. She was one tough lady!! She will be greatly missed. You all are in my thoughts and prayers…
I am lucky enough to have Odie and Shell as close friends in my life and when I met MaryJo it was a trio of blessings. We refer to MaryJo as Mama Jayhawk. Rest now Mama Jayhawk for you are now cancer free.
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Mary Jo. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Fond memories of softball with her 🙂 My prayers and thoughts are with all of the family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you. Grandma Jo was very important in our life and the upbringing of Rachelle and Rodney. In addition all the volleyball games at South, softball games and bowling…What a hell of a Woman. She will be missed and loved forever.
Rod, Sharl, Rachelle and Rodney
Were very sorry for your loss, we just want everyone to know that Mary Jo touched alot of lives, she will be missed dearly.