My sincere condolences to the Hornaday family. My connections with Mary Jo were based on support of education, the arts and community.  She  was a powerful force of leadership in those areas and an inspiration to many of us  who aspire to follow in her footsteps. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

I grew up knowing her through First Presbyterian Church. My parents sang in the choir with her for decades. She was a dear friend of my mother and she was such a stylish woman. Even after I had grown and my life took me away from St. Joseph, my mother would tell me about something smart Mary Jo had worn on Sunday. Though I never had her as a teacher, she was one of the most revered teachers at Central. We were all lucky to have her in our lives in one way or the other.

 MaryJo was a special lady in so many ways.  My condolences to her family.

Mary Jo was a wonderful person and I enjoyed my years of teaching with her at Central High School. She taught both of my children and worked with me to design costumes for them in Central’s plays.  She was loved by many! I send sincere sympathy to her family and I am glad they had her with them for so many years.

David and Mary Jo Hornaday in the Hotel Robidoux Crystal Ballroom.  1957 Wire Rope National sales conference in St. Joseph, MO.

Mary Jo Hornaday at the 1957 Wire Rope National sales conference.

Mary Jo Hornaday in the Hotel Robidoux.  1957 Wire Rope National sales conference in St. Joseph, MO.

Exactly 50 years ago, Mary Jo was my journalism teacher and the faculty advisor on the Outlook school paper when I was one of the editors during 1972-1973 school year. Major impact on my confidence to write from awarding to me the feature article of the year plaque to sending a group of  us to UM for a week long week workshop on journalism.     My mother worked with her on the Junior League and took me to see “Bobby Buttons” countless times as a child — it was years later that my mother pointed out to me that Mary Jo and Bobby Buttons were one and the same.  Classy, classy lady. 

Mrs. Hornaday was a major influence in the lives of our children , Kevin, Lauren and Chip as they all worked on the Wakitan. I still have the personal notes she sent each of them . Selfless as always, she attended the 18th birthday party of Lauren as a speaker in “This is Your Life”.
A major force in her family, community, and education.
Sadness to Dave and Barbara.
Believe , however, she is watching over us all and saying, “Did you really mean to say it that way?”
Certainly a life well lived 😪

Dear Barbara and Steve, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother and mother-in-law.   You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mary Jo was a very special woman and touched the lives of so many.  She was a great role model as a mother and grandmother and what a true friend should be like. She will be missed greatly. She has left a wonderful legacy. John and I send our condolences,  love and prayers to the entire family.

What a lovely lady who led an extraordinary life. Mrs. Hornaday made a difference in so many lives. She was the inspiration for my career choice as a writer. Our condolences to the family. --Dana (Rosenthal) and Brian Campbell (Central class of '84 and a feature editor for the Wakitan)

MJ was such a force at Central High. She was a great teacher and mother and wife. She was the best high school teacher I experienced. My mother adored her and I know she will be missed by all her family. May you all rest easily now. 

My sincere condolences to the family. Mrs Hornaday was my English teacher and faculty supervisor/advisor when I was co-editor of the Outlook. She demanded a lot from those who were capable and was an excellent teacher. She devoted many years to educating young people and was a community leader as well. She was a long time close friend of my recently deceased mother, Nancy Hamilton. 

Thank God for Mary Jo!! What a marvelous life you all have to celebrate.   Peace and love, Carol Strickland 

MJ:  You were such a gift to our S. Joseph chirch.  I loved seeing you eveery Sunday: always chic and young-thinking.  You just never seemed old to us.  Your msny examples of giving will be your legacy.  The church, the United Way, the school system, the St. Joseph Symphony and many more.  Thank you for y our many acts of kindness and generosity.  Well done, skpecial woman.


Teacher, colleague, mentor, and dear friend. MJ excelled at each. xx

Mrs. Hornaday had a huge impact on me when I took journalism in high school. I learned so much from her, and was so inspired by her. She believed in me and my writing skills, but even more, she believed in my leadership skills when I was editor of The Outlook. She also shared her knowledge of the journalism field which led me to MU's J-School and a career in public relations, freelance writing and serving as editor of a magazine. Sending my best wishes to her family.


My deepest sympathy to the Hornaday family. I met her as a teacher but got to know her as the wife and parent of a valued coworker.

She was such a wonderful person and always helping and influencing others to do and be better.  

Prayers for peace and comfort for the family left behind.

She was truly one of the best! I loved all of my time on the Outlook and Wakitan staff. After graduation I considered her a friend and enjoyed catching up from time to time. The world will miss having such an example of class. 

I happily served as Mary Jo’s V-P as she lead the Saint Joseph Women’s Press Club almost 10 years ago. She was amazing and had such a beautiful touch with literature and with people at each of our meetings. May her beautiful memory bring you comfort. 

Sending love to all MJH true Legend! 
CHS Class of ‘86

Mrs. Hornaday was my high school English and journalism teacher.  She made an enormous and unquantifiable positive impact on my life. 

She believed in me.  

For that, I will always be grateful and honor her memory. 

God Speed to the incomparable MJH. A beacon of light to so many. Her presence will linger for many a year.

OBITUARY

Mary Jo Hornaday

July 3, 1925 – May 18, 2023

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