Marilyn Jo McDonald

Marilyn Jo Workman McDonald, age 91 of Howard, KS, passed away February 5, 2021 at her home. Jo was born December 26th, 1929, to Carl Albert and Thelma Violet (Fiscus) Workman. She was born at home a mile and a half east of Howard. She grew up as a happy farm girl, with her brother, Jack and sister, Helen. She attended rural school until the eighth grade, then she went to School at Longton, and graduated from Longton High School on May 15th, 1947. The morning of May 16th, 1947, she married Fred McDonald in a civil ceremony at Howard, Kansas, with Judge Miriam O. Beaty officiating. They were married for 63 years. In 1953, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Teresa and in 1957 another blessing with the birth of their daughter, Sherri. Jo was a stay-at-home mom, keeping books for the LP Gas Company that Fred worked for and she babysat in their home. In 1967, Fred and Jo went into partnership with Fred’s brother and his wife; in 1974 the partnership dissolved. Fred chose another career and Jo enrolled in cosmetology school in Independence, Kansas, fulfilling a lifelong dream, of being a licensed hairdresser, owning and operating her own salon, from June 1975 until retiring in February 1994. Fred and Jo were fulltime RVers from April 1994 until April 2009. For 15 years, their life as RVers was an extremely happy life for both of them. They loved backpacking in Wyoming, fishing, dancing, playing cards and spending time with family and friends. Spending their summers in Northern Minnesota and their winters in Aransas Pass, Texas. Jo loved to play bridge and watch sports on TV. She also wrote an article for the Prairie Star called Howard Happenings for several years. Her biggest joy was being a Mother and Grandmother. The love she shared with her two daughters, her three grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren made her the happiest. Jo was a member of The Howard United Methodist Church, a 58th year member of the Order of the Eastern Star which she held many offices and was Grand Esther and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She is survived by daughter’s: Teresa Ann Heilevang, and son-in-law, Kjell of Howard, Ks Sherri Lynn Wilder, and son-in-law, Curt of Texas Grandson’s: Danny Cookson and wife Ronda of Howard, KS Derek Cookson and Lady Sarah of Howard, KS Granddaughter: Tania Mariman, and husband, Brett of Colby, Ks Extended Granddaughters: Teri Cookson of Marion, KS Rochelle Cookson of Howard, KS Great grandchildren: Caleb, Ashley, Mason, Harper, Cooper, Ella and Cole Sister, Helen Troutman of Salina, KS A host of nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Fred; her parents, Carl and Thelma Workman and brother, Jack Workman. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at 4:00 pm at Countryside Funeral Home, Howard, KS Memorial contributions can be made to the Howard Public Swimming Pool and can be mailed to or left with the funeral home. Services entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, PO Box 1233, Howard, KS 67349

Marilyn Jo McDonald

December 26, 1929 - February 5, 2021