MaryJo (Gillespie) Pickering

MaryJo Pickering, age 70 of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Good Friday evening, April 15, 2022 at Certus Healthcare Center in Defiance, Ohio.  
  
She was born on December 14, 1951 to the late Kenneth and Catherine (Anksorus) Gillespie in Coon Rapids, Iowa. On October 14, 1972 she married Kirk Pickering, who survives. 
 
MaryJo was a member of Family Christian Center in Defiance. She was a social butterfly and loved all people. She had a Servant's Heart and loved to help others and serve The Lord. Her grandsons were at the top of her world. She enjoyed reading and crocheting, and going to area car shows. MaryJo was a member of FCC Motorcycle Club "Eagle's Wings" and "Threads" Knitting Group. She will be sadly missed by her family and many good friends.
  
MaryJo is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Kirk Pickering of Defiance, her daughters, Adrianne (Roswell) Shelhamer of Waynesville, OH, and Jamie (Thomas) Ort of Defiance, and four grandsons; Walter and Willard Shelhamer and Brennan and Zayden Ort. She also leaves behind her siblings; Patty Sonmor of Minnesota, Jim (Joan) Christianson of Michigan, Kelsey (Sally) Long of Nevada, and Keith (Bobbi) Long of North Carolina.
  
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her stepfather, Eldon Long. 
  
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at Family Christian Center in Defiance. A Memorial Service will follow at 12:00 pm at the church, with Pastor Tim Tracy officiating. Burial will follow the service at Ayersville Cemetery.

Schaffer Funeral Home was honored to assist the family with arrangements. 
  
Memorials are suggested to Family Christian Center or ELARA Hospice. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.
  
  
 

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