Obituary of Mary Jo Schmiade

Mary Jo Schmiade (nee Kloentrup), of Independence, KY, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, at the age of 60. She was born to the late Hugh and Helen Kloentrup of Morning View, Kentucky, on July 27, 1964. Mary Jo was a graduate of Simon Kenton High School (class of 1982) and a lifelong parishioner of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Morning View, KY.

Mary Jo was a devoted mother, wife, sister, and aunt; a loyal friend; and a caring person to all she knew. She loved her family more than anything, hosting holidays, spending time with kids, and celebrating every birthday possible. Mary Jo loved spending time with her many nieces and nephews, holding babies, and bringing smiles to kids’ faces. She was looking forward, more than anything, to becoming a grandmother in a few short weeks.

Mary Jo was a beacon of light to everyone in her life. Her selflessness extended to her work, where she served Twenhofel Middle School for many years as a secretary. She also worked at Turfway Park for over 40 years and was a member of the Kenton County Fair Board. Mary Jo taught Sunday School, was involved with Mothers With Special Children, and volunteered as the Christmas Elf for many years at the Spina Bifida Coalition Christmas party. Mary Jo’s spirit of giving continues beyond her death as an organ and tissue donor.

She is survived by her loving husband Joe Schmiade, children, Jill Schmiade, Joseph (Kellie) Schmiade, and Kelsey (Andrew) Perrin, brothers Carl Kloentrup (Nancy Davis) and Todd (Nancy) Kloentrup, sisters Beth McCarty and Genita Kiser, and her many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation is Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm at Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday at 10 am at St. Cecilia Catholic Church 5313 Madison Pike, Independence, KY.  Her interment will follow at Independence Cemetery.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary Jo’s memory to the Spina Bifida Coalition of Cincinnati, P.O. Box 9852, Cincinnati, OH 45209 or the Twenhofel Middle School Youth Service Center, 11846 Taylor Mill Rd., Independence, KY 41051.  For directions, to view her Life Tribute Video or to leave the family a message of condolence, please go to www.chambersandgrubbs.com.