It is with deep sadness we share that our beloved wife, mother, aunt, and friend, Mary Jo Murch, 70, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024, after a courageous battle with colon cancer. She was surrounded by her family and close friends.
Mary Jo was born in Asheville, North Carolina, on April 26, 1953, to Jo Alice Anderson. Her family moved to Indiana when she was eight years old. She graduated from Marion High School in 1971 and Indiana University School of Nursing. Her career has taken her to Marion General Hospital and Grant Blackford Mental Health Center, and she retired from the Marion VA Hospital after 28 years of service.
Mary Jo married the love of her life, Ken I. Murch, on May 23, 1975, who survives her. She has two daughters, Allison Agarwal (Steve) Novak of Charlottesville, VA, and Amanda (Joey) Worrick of Marion, IN. Mary Jo leaves behind a legacy of love in her grandchildren, Devan and Nathan Agarwal, Jack and Chase Novak of Charlottesville, VA, and Gracie Jo and Sophia Worrick of Marion, IN. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Rita Anderson; brother-in-law, Steve Harlan; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.
Mary Jo is preceded in death by her mother, Jo Alice Anderson; step-dad, Leo Bowser; brother, Roger Anderson; and sister, Wilma Anderson.
Mary Jo dearly loved her dogs, Miss Lily and Charles Dickens. She also enjoyed traveling, gardening, and cooking for her family.
Mary Jo’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in peace, her memory forever cherished in the hearts of those who loved her.
Special thanks to her nieces, Michelle Renee (David) Leisure of Plainfield, Indiana, and Shelly (Todd) Herndon of Angola, Indiana, and dear friends, Linda and Tom Rademaker of Swayzee, Indiana.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for all expressions of sympathy and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you cherish the memories you shared with Mary Jo and continue to spread love and kindness in her honor. You may send memorials to Marion-Grant County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1921, Marion, IN 46952 or to your local food pantry.
To celebrate Mary Jo’s life, the family will host a celebration of life from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at The Garden House at Matter Park.
Mary Jo will be interred at Marion National Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary, please visit our floral store.