Jo Ann (Richardson) Mercer

Jo Ann Mercer, 86, of Creston, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023 at Wooster Community Hospital. Jo Ann was born Jan. 10, 1937 in Akron, Ohio to Leroy and Minnie (Miksch) Richardson. She was a 1956 graduate of Norwayne High School and went on to Anderson University in Indiana. On Dec. 12, 1958 she married William Mercer and he preceded her in death on Nov. 28, 2016. After college she worked at Wayne County National Bank and then dedicated her time to raising her family. After her children were in school, she worked part time at the Creston Livestock sale, multiple stores at the Lodi Outlets, and worked at the annual Creston Ox Roast. Jo Ann was a lifelong servant of the Creston Community and a recipient of the Creston Citizen of the Year in 2010. Much of her time was spent volunteering for Meals on Wheels, and with the Creston Presbyterian Church where she was a lifelong member. Her hobbies included gardening, playing euchre, baking, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her three daughters, Pam (Jeff) Hostetler of Creston, Amy Mercer of Creston and Melissa (Max) Smetiouk of Delaware, Ohio; grandchildren, Drew (Jenna) Hostetler, Taylor Hostetler, Felicia Mercer, Kyle Smetiouk, and Connor Smetiouk and a great grandchild Ivy Rose Hostetler. She was preceded in Death by her parents, husband, and two half siblings. Services will be Wednesday, March 1st at 11:00 a.m. at Creston Presbyterian Church with Pastor Mike VanArsdale officiating. Burial will be in Jackson Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday, Feb. 28th from 5-7 p.m. at Murray Funeral Home in Creston. Memorial contributions may be made to Creston Presbyterian Church 13070 Cleveland Rd. Creston, 44217.