Ashland, KY - Mary Jo Burton peacefully departed her earthly existence on the morning of April 20 while in the gentle care of Community Hospice after suffering a fall. She was born in Ashland on August 24, 1931 to Scoville and Eula Jayne Reynolds.

After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Kentucky, she was employed as a chemist at Allied Chemical Corp for six years and married Robert O. Burton of Huntington in 1958. She was widowed in 1974.

Her parents had formed Ashland Specialty Co., a wholesale grocery, in 1946 and upon resigning from Allied, she assisted them in the operation of that growing business and then managed the company after extended illnesses befell those dear people. After achieving great success, she retired in 1989. Being an only child, Mary Jo cared for her parents, as well as a beloved aunt, Nona Gates, for many years.

Throughout her long life, her experiences of gardening, cooking, reading, enjoying nature and traveling across the country and around the world were very dear to her, along with a keen sense of community volunteerism.

She was a founder of the Highlands Museum & Discovery Center where she served two stints as interim Director. She served in many capacities for First Baptist Church and was an advocate for Kings Daughters and Sons Home for the Aged, where she also served a period as interim administrator. She was an avid supporter of the Foundation for the Tri-State Community where she established an endowment for the Highlands Museum and a Gifted Musicians scholarship for students in Boyd and Greenup counties.

She was especially fond of classical music, particularly opera, as well as traditional music which she and Robert enjoyed at Jean Thomas' famed Singin' Gatherin's in what is now the Midland Heights neighborhood.

It was important to Mary Jo to be a dependable friend and she always had an OPINION. Her personal philosophy was to give back to the community and make life count. Traveling to exotic places was always thrilling, especially when discovering animals and wildflowers all over the world.

She is survived by treasured friends and her would-be daughters, Gina Gevedon McDaniel and Kim Jenkins and would-be son Howard Rose.

All are invited to gather at 1 pm this Friday, April 24 at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 1930 Winchester Avenue, with a Celebration of Life to begin at 2pm. Chaplain Jimm Smedley will officiate.

Miller Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be left for family and friends at www.mfhfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Mary Jo's memory to the Highlands Museum or Community Hospice.