Mary Jo (Salay) Ketner was born to John and Dorothy (Hastings) Salay in Lodi, OH as the second of three girls (Patricia, Mary Jo, and Kathy) on October 28, 1955. While growing up, Mary Jo was active in 4-H and loved riding horses and swimming on the family farm. After graduating from Cloverleaf High School, Mary Jo went to The Ohio State University, where she met her husband of 44 years Mark, studied Accounting and made many lifelong friends.
Mark & Mary Jo settled in Mark’s hometown of Bowling Green, OH where they started their family. Mary Jo’s life was dedicated to her family and always putting others first. In addition to raising her four children (Matt, Lisa, Jenn, Scott), she was a small business owner and active member of the community involved in many associations and clubs including St. Aloysius Church, OSU alumni club, the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association Auxiliary, Take Stock Investment Club and Wood County Republican Women’s Club.
Mary Jo was a fighter with a never quit approach to life which she took into her battle with cancer. On Sunday February 18th 2024, Mary Jo won her fight and went to be with Jesus, her parents, and all those who preceded her in Heaven. She is survived by her husband Mark and four children Matt, Lisa, Jenn, and Scott.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial donations be made to the Cancer Support Fund (312727), which supports the work of her surgeon, Dr. Jordan Cloyd, at the OSU James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. Gifts may be made online or by mail at PO Box 710811, Columbus, OH 43271-0811. Please include Mrs. Ketner’s name with your gift and make checks payable to the OSU Foundation.
Visitation for Mary Jo will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home, 1460 W. Wooster Street, Bowling Green. Her funeral mass will be held Saturday February 24, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 150 Enterprise Street, Bowling Green. Burial will immediately follow at Union Hill Cemetery.
Online condolences as well as fond memories may be made to the family by visiting www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.
