Mary Jo (Emerick) McQueen, passed away on December 8, 2024, at the age of 91, in Ogden, Utah. Born on June 8, 1933, in Milford, Iowa, Mary Jo's life was filled with devotion to her family and her faith. She had a passion for history and a talent for creating spaces of warmth (usually filled with her deeply adored and equally spoiled dog and kitty pals.)

In 1953 she married the love of her life, Robert McQueen, who predeceased her. Together, they built a family filled with love and laughter. Bob and Mary Jo raised their children and lived most of their life together in Southern California. Mary Jo's legacy includes her son, David McQueen & wife Kim, her daughter, Tamra McQueen-Hutter & husband Tim, and her cherished grandchildren, Katelin (McQueen) Slifer, Keegan Hutter, Elizabeth McQueen, Hannah (McQueen) Brilhart, and Kailey Hutter. She was blessed with eight great-grandchildren. She fearlessly took on the roles of devoted mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother, where she constantly showed up as everyone's biggest fan.

Mary Jo attended Wayne State College in Nebraska, where she studied education. However, in later years, she would discover that her true passion lay in historical research. Inspired by her participation with the daughter's of the American Revolution, Mary Jo quickly became a genealogy sleuth; meticulously documenting the life stories of past generations. She traced her family's American heritage back to the Mayflower! When she had exhausted the discoveries of her own family tree, she sought to find interesting facts about other families as well! Her love for learning was a constant throughout her life, and she instilled this value in her family and friends as well.

Her love for history and patriotism was not only reflected in her genealogical pursuits, but throughout her many hobbies. Mary Jo was a voracious reader; she loved historical fiction and could almost always be found with a book in hand - often finishing two or three novels in a week! Additionally, Mary Jo was a talented quilter. For over thirty years, she crafted countless quilts for her family and friends, all hand-made with love. Her many cherished quilting friends will miss her dearly. Her creations and the memories they bring remain treasured heirlooms, enveloping all in warmth and comfort.

After moving to Utah in 2016, Mary Jo became an active member of the Newcomers of the Top of Utah Group & The Red Hat Society, enjoying taking part in exciting social activities. She never shied from taking on roles of leadership or initiating friendships, many of which were lifelong. Mary Jo's influence extended into her community, where she was a loyal friend, a reliable neighbor, and a figure of inspiration. Her kindness, wisdom, and generosity of spirit touched many lives, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her.

As we bid farewell to Mary Jo, we celebrate a life rich with love, learning, and the legacy of a woman who wove the fabric of her family's narrative with every story, handmade quilt, and memory she shared. Her life was a beautiful tapestry of experiences, relationships, and accomplishments. Hers is a legacy that will continue to provide comfort and inspiration to her family and beyond.

Mary Jo's life will be commemorated in a private ceremony this spring, where her family and close friends will gather to honor her memory and the indelible mark she left on their hearts. Her story, like the handmade pieces she created and the historical stories she uncovered, will be passed down through generations, a testament to a life well-lived and a woman deeply loved.