Mary Jo Paul

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Mary Jo Paul of Chillicothe, Ohio. Mary Jo passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, at the age of 74, after a courageous battle with an aggressive form of Brain Cancer. She fought and then lived the rest of her days with dignity and grace, leaving behind memories cherished by family and friends.

Mary Jo was born Mary Jo Cundiff on October 20, 1951, to Charles McDowell Cundiff and Mary Francis Cundiff (Smith) in Somerset, KY. She married Saint John Paul on September 22, 1977, in Portsmouth, Ohio.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Charles McDowell Cundiff and Mary Francis Cundiff (Smith); her husband, Saint John Paul; and her siblings, Charles “Charlie” McDowell Cundiff II and Linda Jean Jones (Cundiff).

She is survived by her son, John Paul (Tracy); and stepchildren, Tim Paul (Carolyn), Chrissy Mennona (Rich) and Nathanial Tyson Paul (Brandi); and her grandchildren, Isabella Paul and Lila Paul; and her step grandchildren, McKenna Sanchez (Roberto), Stephen Paul, Richard Paul and Jacob Paul. She is also survived by her sister, Carol Bridgman (Jim); nephews: Chuck (Opal) Cundiff, G.G. Cundiff (Misty), Rick Cundiff and niece, Mary Beth (Jay) Armstrong.

Mary Jo grew up in Somerset, KY, where she graduated from Pulaski County High School as she was Vice President her senior year and voted “Most Mischievous." She was a manager for Bonanza Restaurants in Somerset, KY and Portsmouth, Ohio, in her 20’s which led to her involvement in the Parent Teachers’ Association, 4-H, and Portsmouth West Marching Band groups in West Portsmouth, Ohio. Mary Jo worked at Wal-Mart in New Boston, Ohio, then later relocated to Somerset, KY, with her husband, Saint John Paul, where she worked as a Teacher’s Aid in the Pulaski County School District. She also owned a Flower Store while in Somerset, KY. She was an avid UK Wildcat fan who loved all types of gatherings, dogs especially her beloved Toby, good food, playing card games but, above all else, loved her family and friends. Mary Jo will be missed dearly and forever loved.

Mary Jo was cremated on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Haller Funeral Home and Crematory in Chillicothe, Ohio. A small Celebration of Life was held the following Sunday, January 18, 2026. Burial of Ashes will be held later this year. If you would like to honor Mary Jo, please consider a donation to the Ross County Humane Society, 2308 Lick Run Road, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601: or Adena Hospice, 2077 Western Ave, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601.