Jo Fern McCutchen

Jo Fern was born in Olton, Texas, 1933 Veterans Day. She was a resident of Atwater, where she passed away peacefully at her home of 52 years. Only days before her 90th Birthday on Veterans Day. Jo Fern raised four children Suellen McCutchen her caregiver of 3 years, Joy Zywicki of Birmingham, Alabama, Mark McCutchen of Merced, California and Melissa McCutchen of Atwater, California. She lived with husband Alvy L McCutchen “A.L.” Married 56 years who passed in 2009. Jo Fern was caregiver to her mother Sierra Camp Ranger Lois Moseley also known as (Nanny) to many in Mariposa, until she passed at the family home as well on 2/14/2007. Preceded in death by her father first lineman and retiree of Sierra Telephone Co. Hollis Moseley “Poppy” 4/19/2003.

Jo Fern and A.L. also had property of 49 acres “The Pondarosa” in Boot Jack, California in Mariposa on Peg Leg Creek Road for 26 years. She was a pioneer woman and made a tent feel like home with iron beds. She worked at the Woodland Market store. Jo Fern was the oldest of Sisters Betty Crisp and Wilma Campbell and their husbands like brothers, Callie and Fred. Survived by nephew Jeff Campbell and Scott Crisp, niece Julie Smith, all of which at some point lived in Mariposa. Grandma Jo was a proud biscuit maker, grandmother to 6, Vanessa, Jascha, Sharelle, Derek, Marcus and Deshean.

G.G. or great grandmother to five precious young ones. One of which she raised for 13 years, James, Brooklyn, Lyla, Ellie and Nova, they were her favorite entertainment.

Jo Fern was supported by her Pastor Andrew and her loving Church Family and good pal Carol Posten and Decan hot chili Wayne and Debbie, Derrick’s yard work and many other close friends for as many as 50 years, like Georgia and Rohda. A dear friend and neighbor for 53 years Ruth Webb. Mother was a native of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her mother was the oldest of eleven. Jo Fern was the First cousin born to the family of Cebola homestead, and was honored as the eldest cousin. She moved to Texas and married Alvy in 1953. They moved to California in 1960 with a five year old and three year old to Mariposa and then settled in Merced. She was a homemaker, Barbie dressmaker, seamstress, garden, animals and children. She was a secretary in accounting at Castle Air Force Base, Avon Sale, Tupperware, Razzari Ford and 24 years in Auxiliary and was 30 years in the Emblem club and president of the ladies Elks club. She was a Chaplain spreading joy at McClain Industries and she assisted with church business.

Mom collected and loved owls and watching hummingbirds. In loving recognition in her last years to Jeff Campbell, troubleshooting for Aunt Jo from Mariposa, Lisa Rowe for the comfort she loved with you all the high-end chocolates and coffee talk. Courtney doted over grandma with exactly what she loves, Pepsi and many dinners of fresh caught fish with grandson Derrick.

Services held at First Baptist Church 1683 5th Street, Atwater, California. Officiating will be Pastor Andrew Cantrell.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the McCutchen family.