Mary Jo Clevenger, 72, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away on September 15, 2025 after a long, brave, and courageous fight with cancer.
Mary Jo was born on April 21, 1953, to Mary (Bongartz) and Bonaventure “Barney” Riedel in WaKeeney, Kansas. She was united in marriage with Darrell Clevenger at Christ the King Catholic Church on June 12th, 1971, and together they raised two children, Kerby and Kally.
She was deeply devoted to Christ the King Catholic Church throughout the years, serving on the parish council, as a CCD coordinator, Eucharistic Minister, and Lector. She was instrumental in the planning of the parish center and the restoration and renovation of the church. She provided steadfast support to many of the parish priests.
Her service extended to the broader community as well. She served multiple terms on the WaKeeney City Council, was a dedicated board member of the Trego Hospital Endowment Foundation, and held the position of Treasurer for the TCHS Alumni Association.
Mary Jo’s work life reflected the same loyalty and dedication she gave to her family and community. She retired as Senior Vice President and Senior BSA officer of the WaKeeney branch of Solutions North Bank after 46 years of service, where she built lifelong friendships with colleagues and customers alike.
Beyond her work and service, Mary Jo found joy in life’s simple pleasures—tending her flower and vegetable gardens, canning, cross-stitching, cooking meals to share with family and friends, and traveling across the United States. Her favorite time of the day was watching the sunrise over her flower gardens as she said her rosary.
Mary Jo will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. Those who knew her will never forget her kindness, her generosity, and the way she always put others before herself.
She is survived by her husband, Darrell; her son, Kerby (Angela) Clevenger; her daughter, Kally (Jody) Hearron; and six beloved grandchildren: Kyle and Matthew Clevenger, and Jacob, Krysten, Abby, and Ryan Hearron. She also leaves behind her sisters Edna Mae Deines, Wilma Silkman, and Donna Sanders; and her brother Gerald Riedel.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Barney Riedel, her sister Louise, and her brother Donald.
Visitation will be Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS, with a vigil service and rosary immediately following. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, September 19, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 412 North Ninth Street, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Christ the King Catholic Church (building fund) or the Trego Hospital Endowment Foundation. Contributions may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS 67672.