Edith Josephine Renfrow

Edith Josephine "Jo" Renfrow was called to heaven Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, at the age of 94.

She was born March 9, 1924, to Dr. Ralph G. and Elva J. Packer Boutin in Harper, Kansas.

She attended Southeast Missouri State University and graduated with a chemistry degree. After obtaining her degree, she moved to New York, where she modeled for Gallagher's. She returned to Cape Girardeau to marry Richard N. Renfrow. He passed away March 24, 1998.

After returning to Cape Girardeau, she taught art, ceramics and independent art classes for Cape Girardeau Central High School, from which she retired in May 1988.

She retired just in time to help with her granddaughter, Kathryn, who was born that fall. In her retirement years, she spent a considerable amount of time helping raising her granddaughter, whom she adored, gardening, cooking, sewing and volunteering at First Presbyterian Church, where she was a member.

Jo had a wonderful sense of humor and outlook on life. She was blessed to be able to stay home until July of this year with the help of an amazing group of caregivers.

She is survived by her granddaughter, Dr. Kathryn (Dr. Mason) Bell of Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Richard N. Renfrow, and both sons, Richard B. and Carl L. Refrow.

Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

Funeral will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Grant Gillard officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Presbyterian Church of Cape Girardeau or Humane Society of Southeast Missouri.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.