Mary Joanne Southworth

Mary Joanne Southworth, 82, of Ford City passed away Saturday, July 19, 2025, at her residence.

Born September 27, 1942, in Columbia, SC, she was a daughter of the late Thomas M. and Helen Louise (Duncan) Benner.

She received her nursing degree and license from the Indiana School of Nursing in 1963.  Mary Jo enjoyed her variety of nursing experiences, including having been an office nurse for Dr. Buck, a cancer nurse at the Laube Cancer Center, and an IV specialist with ACMH Home Health Services.  She retired from ACMH on September 1, 2004. Also in 2004, Mary Jo was the recipient of the Armstrong County Health Care Worker of the Year award.  She was a member and past president of the Armstrong County Registered Nurses Association, and a former member of the ONS and LITE nursing organizations.  She was also a member of the Indiana Hospital Alumni Association.

A resident of the Ford City area most of her life, she was an active member of Ford Memorial United Methodist Church.  Mary Jo was a former girl scout leader and recipient of the Marion Award. In the 1985-86 school year, she and her husband served as a host family for an AFS student, Gisele Sanahuja. She was previously active with the Easter Seal Society, and was a member of the DAR.  She was a member of the Red Hat Ladies, and enjoyed her monthly card club and attending her retired nurses dinners. She enjoyed traveling in her motor home and seeing the United States with her husband and friends, and was a member of various camping clubs and organizations, with whom she also enjoyed camping. Mary Jo especially loved time spent with her grandchildren. 

She is survived by her son, Robert (Andrea) Southworth of Ford City; her daughter, Sharon L. (David) Batistig of Shelocta; her brother, John T. Benner of Cheyenne, WY; six granddaughters; two grandsons; three great-granddaughters; three great-grandsons; and her friend, James Fusco.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gary E. Southworth.

Friends will be welcomed from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, and from 10-10:45 a.m. Thursday, at Welch Funeral Service, LLC, 1032 Fourth Ave., Ford City.  Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Ford Memorial United Methodist Church, Ford City, with Pastor Terri Wells officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ACMH Laube Cancer Center.  To share memories or condolences, please visit www.welchfh.com.

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