Mary Jo Badgerow

Mary Jo Badgerow, 90, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home surrounded by family on Thursday, August 6, 2020.

Mary Jo was born May 17, 1930 in Des Moines, Iowa to Harley and Goldie (Cole) Ver Huel. Throughout her life, she was known to have a strong work ethic, even waiting until age 86 to retire. She spent her career largely in healthcare and often served as a mother figure to her coworkers at her most recent job keeping medical records at Mercy Residency Clinic.
She was known for her sassy personality and big sense of humor. This was illustrated by the friends in her apartment building who would meet every afternoon and call themselves “the Liars’ Club.” She also enjoyed trips to the casino, or how she put it “going to K-Mart,” and trying her luck on the penny slots.

She had the unique ability to always make those around her consistently feel loved, sometimes as simply as with a touch of the hand. For Mary Jo, family was always the priority, saying her greatest gifts in life were her children and grandchildren. Advice she left her family with is to remember to love children because they “did not ask to be born but are a gift to be treasured.”

Mary Jo spent some of her final days sharing plenty of “I love you”s with those closest to her.

She is survived by her daughter, Deb Elings (John); grandson, Richard Elings (Kelly); granddaughter, Megan Elings (Grayson); great-grandsons, Mason and Bryar; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Delbert; daughter, Sharon; parents, Harley and Goldie; and her siblings, Jim Ver Huel, Joy Woodward, and Marilyn Wrigley.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, August 10, 2020 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will begin at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 11, 2020, also at Hamilton’s, and will conclude with burial at Glendale Cemetery. The family respectfully asks guests to wear masks and to practice social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to AHeinz57 Pet Rescue in loving memory of Mary Jo.

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