Mary Jo Suter, 82, of Waverly, Illinois, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital. She was born November 19, 1943, the daughter of James and Louise (Vasey) Crouse. She married Gary E. Suter on July 25, 1967, in Hannibal, Missouri. He preceded her in death on September 25, 2017.

Mary Jo is survived by her four children, Amy (BJ) Murray of Springfield, Beth (Kevin) Patty of Waverly, Cary (Mary Alice) Suter of Springfield, Deitra Suter of Waverly; seven grandchildren, Joe Murray, Amelia, Vivian, and Mary Grace Suter, and Oliver, Hayden, and Delaney Patty. She is also survived by three brothers, Lawrence Crouse, John Crouse, Terry Crouse, and sister Linda (Danny) Smith, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her older brother, James Crouse, and a younger brother, Jerry Crouse, in infancy.

Mary Jo graduated from Waverly Elementary and Waverly High School, then later in life attended Lincoln Land Community College, studying child development. Before marriage she worked at CIPS where she was an administrative assistant to the CEO.  Mary Jo loved children. In addition to caring for her own children, she was an active grandmother and spent several years watching community children in a daycare at her home. Mary Jo was a natural born teacher. She served for many years as a Sunday School teacher at the First United Methodist Church of Waverly. She also directed or participated in decades of Vacation Bible School, ran after-school youth programs, and directed and wrote several Christmas programs at the church. Outside of her church life, Mary Jo was involved with her children's boy and girl scout groups, serving many years as a girl scout troop leader. She was an avid gardener and spent many happy hours outdoors.

Cremation rites have been administered; there will be a private family burial held at Asbury Cemetery at a later date. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Waverly Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.