Mary Jo Denman

Mary Jo Denman, passed away on May 21, 2025, at the age of 88 in Des Moines, Iowa. Born on November 7, 1936, in Nebraska City, Nebraska, Mary Jo's nurturing spirit and passion for life left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Mary Jo was a dedicated administrative assistant, working at numerous companies over the years before eventually retiring from the State of Iowa. Known for her exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, she brought a sense of dedication and warmth to her professional life.

Mary Jo graduated from Lincoln High School in Des Moines and furthered her education at the University of Iowa. Throughout her life, she cultivated a variety of hobbies that reflected her creativity and love for nurturing. She had a fondness for sewing, crocheting, and crafting, and took great pleasure in caring for both indoor and outdoor plants. A devoted pet owner, she adored her cat, Inka, who was a constant companion.

Television brought her joy, with her favorites including the ION and HGTV channels, serving as a backdrop to her cooking ventures. An enthusiastic cook, she collected numerous recipes throughout her life, always eager to share her culinary creations with her family and friends. Known as the "Queen of Thrifting," Mary Jo found delight in uncovering unique items and treasures during her shopping adventures.

Mary Jo leaves behind cherished family members, including her daughters, Kathy (Eric) Crowell of Urbandale, IA, and Vickie Felice of Boone, IA and son, Rick (Mary Heiny) Felice of Altoona, IA, along with her beloved grandchildren—Kiersten (Zach) Maertens of Urbandale, IA, Austin (Jessica) Crowell of Waukee, IA, Chelsea (Chris) Capper of Clive, IA, Tyler (Sylvia) Navin of Des Moines, IA, Dillan Navin of Norwalk, IA, Niko (Kim) Felice of Altoona, IA, Clay Felice of Arizona, and Carly (Daniel) Suhr of Des Moines—will carry forward her legacy of love. Additionally, she leaves behind nine great-grandchildren; brother Jack (Marsha) Thompson of Montana and sister-in-law Darlene Thompson of Springfield, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Grace Thompson, and her brothers, Gary Michael "Mike" Thompson and Bill Thompson.

A funeral service will be held at Ernst Funeral Home in Waukee, Iowa, on Friday, May 23, 2025, beginning at 3:00 PM, with a subsequent committal graveside service at Wyuka Cemetery in Nebraska City, Nebraska, on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: Alzheimer's Association or UnityPoint Hospice in Mary Jo's memory.

Ernst Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Waukee has been entrusted with Mary Jo's final arrangements.