Obituary of Mary Jo Roth-Marko

MARY JO ROTH-MARKO, 61 Mary Jo Roth-Marko, 61, of Boulder Creek, California, died peacefully in her sleep at 3:00 AM, Thursday, August 10, 2017 at her home. She was born July 6, 1956 in Rensselaer, Indiana, to Malcolm and Janet Roth. She married Joseph Marko on May 6, 1983 in Wheaton, Illinois and he survives. Also surviving are her brothers Richard (Joann) and Ed (Starr). Mary Jo's brothers Tommy and Jerry (Cathy) preceded her in death. After leaving Rensselaer, Mary Jo attended Valparaiso University, where she received a B.A. in Art. She settled in Cincinnati upon graduation. Mary Jo met her husband at her brother Jerry's wedding, and together they lived in Chicago, Albuquerque, Phoenix and Delray Beach prior to Boulder Creek, where she was a long-time resident. An accomplished artist, Mary Jo primarily worked in gouache, acrylic, pencil and pastels. While her style evolved over the years, much of her work is reminiscent of stained glass. Mary Jo had love and respect for all animals. In addition to several cats and dogs, Mary Jo cared for everything that walked on four legs or flew into her yard. A very private person, Mary Jo had a long battle with diabetes and its many complications. In later years, she required coronary bypass surgery and dialysis. She was a fighter with a strong will to live and a zest for life. Mary Jo held strong Christian beliefs and found great solace in her faith in God. Local funeral arrangements are being provided by Santa Cruz Memorial, 1927 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. There will be no local service. Final arrangements are being managed by Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer, 250 N. McKinley Avenue, Rensselaer, IN 47978. A graveside service is planned. Burial will be at Weston Cemetery, Rensselaer, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Diabetes Association