Marilyn Jo Straus, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, was called home on August 13, 2012. Jo was born on November 28, 1927, in Clay Center, Kansas. Jo loved growing up on their beautiful family farm with her mother, father, and two sisters. She graduated from Kansas State University and became a buyer for Jones' Store in Kansas City. It was at that time that Jo met the love of her life, Jack Straus. They married and had two children, Richard and Liz. Jo was a stay-at-home mother, eventually substituting, and then working for Westbury High School in Houston as a Secretary. Jo retired from Valero and moved to Austin to join her two children and their families.
Jo enjoyed being a part of her grandchildren's lives, attending every sporting/dance event, spending quality time with each of them individually, and hosting family dinners. She also spent many afternoons having lunch and playing games with friends, and they laughingly call themselves "The Society of Loose Ladies" (as they were all widows). Jo's absolute favorite activity was to dog-sit her great-grandpuppies, Annie and Amos, whom she adored.
As an active member of Oak Hill United Methodist Church, Jo worshipped the Lord and felt so blessed to have a wonderful, fulfilling life, and to be surrounded by so many loving family, friends, and neighbors. She knew that it would be a glorious reunion seeing so many loved ones in Heaven, and cherished her last days with those on earth.
A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Jo will be greatly missed by all those that love her. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Betty Ardeth; husband, Jack; son, Richard Anderson; and grandson, Cody Jack Richard. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Elizabeth Armstrong; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Ann Straus; granddaughters, Lindsay Elizabeth Liggett and her husband Ben, Holly Anne Armstrong and her fiancée Nelson, and Audrey Nicole Straus; sister, Patty Moorefield and her husband Bill; and many nephews, family members, and friends.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, August 17, at Oak Hill United Methodist Church in Austin. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 18, at Oak Hill United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Oak Hill United Methodist Church, 7815 Hwy. 290 West, Austin, Texas 78736, or a charity of your choice.