Mary Jo Hodson

Mary Jo, daughter of Grace (Allen) and Hugh Ransom, was born August 5, 1930 in Leavenworth, Washington.  When she was three years old, the family relocated to Freeport, Kansas, where she attended elementary and junior high school.  She attended Anthony High School and after graduating in 1948, she worked at a local bank.

On September 30, 1950, she was united in marriage to Frank Lee Hodson.  In November of 1951, they relocated to Alameda, California when Frank joined the Navy.  During their time in California, their son, Philip, and daughter, Cheryl, were born.  Upon Frank’s discharge from the Navy in 1955, the family relocated to Wichita for a short time, where another daughter, Gayle, was born.  In 1956, they made Anthony their home.

Mary Jo worked at the Citizen’s National Bank upon their return and eventually retired from Greeley Gas Company after many years of service there.

Mary Jo enjoyed antique shopping, sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting, painting and was an active member of the Anthony Christian Church where she played piano and organ for many years.  Highlighting her days was her time spent with her friends and the “ladies of the round table” at Irwin Potter Drug Store.  

Mary Jo loved Freeport and Anthony, Kansas.  It was with a heavy heart in 2023 that Mary Jo relocated to Spearfish, South Dakota, so she could be closer to family.  

Mary Jo passed away on June 21, 2026 at the age of 95.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh and Grace Ransom; her husband, Frank Hodson; daughter, Cheryl Bergman; grandson, Bryan Scott Bergman; and brother, Donald Ransom.  

She is survived by her son, Philip (Connie) of Fredricksburg, Virginia; daughter, Gayle (Monte) of Spearfish, South Dakota; grandchildren: Tyler Hodson, Aaron Hodson, Brandon Hodson, Amy Irion, Eric Botkin, Kirk Bergman, and Brady Bergman; 17 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren.  

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be announced at a later date.  Tentatively August or later.  Prairie Rose Funeral Home will share details as they become available.  

Memorials in memory of Mary Jo may be made directly payable to the Anthony Fire Department or the Historic Anthony Threatre and sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.