Mary Jo Alexander

Mary Jo Reinking Alexander, 81, of Florence, Kentucky, formerly of Powell, Ohio, peacefully passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Provision Living in Walton, Kentucky, surrounded by the love of her family.

A devoted obstetrics nurse for 45 years, Mary Jo touched the lives of countless families in her work in labor and delivery at Grant Hospital in Columbus, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah, and Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington. After retiring in 2008, she lovingly cared for her husband, Kenneth, as he faced the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease.

Mary Jo’s 51-year marriage to Kenneth was filled with love, laughter, and a shared passion for ballroom and square dancing. They were longtime members of the Do-Si-Do Square Dance Club in Lexington, Kentucky. A woman of deep faith, she was a cherished member of New California Presbyterian Church in Marysville, Ohio. Outside of her professional and spiritual life, Mary Jo had a rich array of talents. She loved tending to her garden, sewing, knitting, and crocheting, and she was renowned for her culinary skills.

Born on May 6, 1943, in Napoleon, Ohio, Mary Jo was the daughter of the late William Clyde and Jennie Lou Richard Reinking. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth, whom she married on June 13, 1964.

Mary Jo leaves behind her daughters, Kathy (David) Espejo and Jenni Alexander; her three sisters, Carol (Jeff) Reinhard, Donna (Craig) MacDonald, and Lori (Rick) Hall; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom were dear to her heart.

A celebration of Mary Jo’s life will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at New California Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 a.m. before the service. Rev. Earl Dunbar will officiate the ceremony, honoring her life of love, service, and grace.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to New California Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are entrusted to Underwood Funeral Home in Marysville. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.underwoodfuneralhome.com.