The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Meet Your Neighbor

Meet your neighbor Mary Jo Shover, 89, who moved into Oakwood Estates as a new resident of Stronghurst this week.

Mary Jo was born in Cottage Hospital in Galesburg and grew up outside Victoria on a farm. Her parents are from Sweden - Tyko and Violet (Larson) Johnson. Her mother was her father's teacher who taught him English and she then ended up marrying him.

Mary Jo attended school in Victoria, graduating in the class of 1943. She attended Brown's Business College in Galesburg which is now Carl Sandburg College.

Mary Jo married Wesley Jean Shover in 1945, they later divorced. They had three children Steven, Jolynn, and Cathi which they raised in Knoxville.

Steven Shover, the oldest, was born in 1946. He is a veteran and a retired truck driver after 42 1/2 years, traveling every state plus Mexico and Canada. His wife Cathy, is a retired third grade school teacher of 30 years. They have daughters and several grandchildren which they enjoy.

Jolynn, born in 1947, is married to Bill Ackman and lives in Stronghurst. "Jodi" worked at Illinois Power Co in the Galesburg office until she retired. Her husband William "Bill" is retired from Ameren-IL They have one grown daughter Michelle.

Cathi Shover was born in the 50s and lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. She is retired from the corporate world.

Mary Jo was employed as a secretary for the Knox County Supt. of Schools for 24 1/2 years. She was also the Secretary for the Manager of Sears.

Mary Jo enjoys puzzles, word games, scrabble, and was previously in a Bridge Club. She enjoys the tradition of special recipes brought over from Sweden such as Swedish Potato Sausage and Lutefisk.

She lived 30 plus years in Galesburg but will enjoy living at Oakwood Estates near her daughter "Jodi" of Stronghurst. Her motto is "to take one day at a time."