Obituary of Josephine L. McCleary

Josephine L. (Long) McCleary, 86, of Newton, IA, passed away on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at Newton Health Care Center.
Jo was born February 29, 1932 in Granby, MO to Leveta (Reed) and Oscar Long. She attended school in Granby. On February 2, 1948, Jo was united in marriage to David McCleary in Neosho, MO. After living briefly in Modesto, CA, Granby, MO, Knoxville and Colfax, they made Newton their permanent home.
Jo retired from Honeycorr in Newton after 25 years. She enjoyed cooking, holidays with her family, music (especially yodeling) and playing with her grandchildren. She loved playing Rummy Royal, wrestling with the kids and clowning around being silly.
Those left to honor Jo’s memory include her sons John (Mary) McCleary of Colfax, Ed (Bobette) McCleary of Newton and her daughter Barb (Charles) Smith of Newton. She is also survived by her grandchildren Karen Smith of Newton, Dennis (Robin) Smith of Newton, Michael McCleary of Colfax, Bryan McCleary (Brandi Brickman) of Des Moines and Dr. Kaci McCleary (Tony Koford) of St. Paul, MN; her great grandchildren Kelsey Smith (Luke Dawson) of Maquoketa, Trinity McCleary, Dalyn McCleary, Maylee McCleary of Des Moines and Hanna (Roy) Williams of Newton; her great, great grandchildren Liam Dawson, Paxton and Laekyn Williams and several nieces, nephews and other extended family.
Jo was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two sisters. A visitation will be held from 10 - 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 12 with a service to follow at 11 a.m. at Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton. Burial will be at the Newton Union Cemetery. Memorials may be designated to Blank Children’s Hospital of Des Moines in Jo's name.