On January 18th, Mary Jo returned to God at her home in Helena, Montana, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, John, of 56 years. She is survived by her seven children: Margaret Schiltz, Richmond, CA; Martin (Judy) Schiltz, Bonsall, CA; Andrew (Jennifer) Schiltz, Potomac, MD; Patricia (Edvards) Greiberis, Helena, MT; Katie (Tim) Byrd, Murrieta, CA; Joe (Diana) Schiltz, Helena, MT; and Genevieve (Michael) Lighthiser, Helena, MT; her 15 grandchildren: Colin, Ian, Nicholas, Zentra, Gunner, Michaela, Lauren, Jillian, Alexandra, Tylynn, Austen, Marquette, Leah, Samuel and Jacob; her great grandson, Liam. She is also survived by her sister Peggy (Richard) Cashatt, Lacey, WA and Charles Ware, Meridian, ID. She was also preceded in death by her parents Charles and Vera Ware, her sister Madgie McCready, and her brother James Ware.
Mary Jo was born in Omaha, NE, Nov. 16, 1935. As a young child, her family moved to Pasadena, CA. She graduated from Marymount College in Los Angeles in 1956. Her years of Catholic schooling built a strong faith that shaped her adult life. After a blind date arranged by the nuns of her college, Mary Jo and John married on Feb. 15, 1958, in Altadena, California.
Mary Jo was a very devoted and active member of the Catholic community. She was a Eucharistic Minister, taught Marriage Encounter classes, organized Perpetual Adoration at her parish, and worked with the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. The Virgin Mary was a very important part of her faith. For many years she worked to help organize the Medjugorje Peace Conference in Irvine, California.
Mary Jo loved travelling. She and John covered just about every part of the Western US. The family road trips made some of the best memories for all her children. Later in life, she and her husband discovered their love of Alaskan cruises. When home, Mary Jo loved gardening, especially her roses and citrus trees.
After her son, Joe, attended Carroll College, Mary Jo and John grew fond of Helena. She made it her home for the last three years of her life.
Mary Jo loved learning and trying new things. She was computer savvy and loved doing genealogy research. Above all, Mary Jo was an amazing mother, wife, sister, and friend. She was generous with both her heart and her intellect.
A funeral liturgy will be held on Friday, February 10th at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Road. Burial will follow the service at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception will follow burial in the fellowship hall of Our Lady of the Valley Church. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Mary Jo.
Service Schedule
Funeral Liturgy
11:00 a.m
Friday February 10, 2017
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena , Montana 59602
Burial
Following the service
Friday February 10, 2017
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Friday February 10, 2017
Our Lady of the Valley Fellowship Hall
1502 Shilrley Road
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Liturgy
11:00 a.m
Friday February 10, 2017
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena , Montana 59602
Burial
Following the service
Friday February 10, 2017
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Friday February 10, 2017
Our Lady of the Valley Fellowship Hall
1502 Shilrley Road
Helena , Montana 59602
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Gwen Ungerman says
Schiltz Family,
So sorry for the loss of your mother. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
“Time is the only comforter for the loss of a mother”. -Jane Welsh Carlyle
Bev Roope says
So sorry for your loss. It was an honor to get to know your parents and family .Prayers to you all.
LEA SACHSEL says
GOD BE WITH YOU AND JOHN. YOU SET A HIGH STANDARD FOR US. YOU SHOWED US HOW TO LOVE AND SERVE GOD BY YOUR EXAMPLE. THANK YOU,AND GOD SPEED. THANK YOU SCHILTZ FAMILY FOR SHARING YOUR PARENTS IN A MOST POSITIVE WAY. MARY JO GOT ME STARTED READING AT MASS AT ST. FRANCIS DE SALES IN RIVERSIDE,CA. I CONTINUE TO DO SO. LOVE AND PRAYERS TO YOU ALL, LEA SACHSEL
Maureen K Lighthiser says
We were so sad at the passing of Mary Jo. She was truly a treasure to those who knew her. She was a kind and thoughtful person. We enjoyed her quick wit and her beautiful smile. Our lives were definitely richer from having known Mary Jo. She will be missed.
Much love,
Mike and Maureen Lighthiser
James and Bonnie Kirk says
To the children of Mary Jo Schiltz. My wife and I had fond memories with Mary Jo at church and in our prayer group ( Ann and Jesus the Returning King messages). She was a reader and one of the most direct persons I’ve ever met. We loved her because she honored your dignity and heart. Pray for us Mary Jo as we offer a special Mass and intention for your passing. James and Bonnie Kirk – Riverside, CA.
Lois Mock says
Mary Jo was an indispensable member of our PALS group and a very special friend. Her strong faith in God was obvious and an inspiration to everyone who knew her.
John and Lois Mock