Pearson resident Mary Jo Thomas Hargus died Thursday, October 29, 2009, in Pearson at the age of 71.

She was born October 12, 1938, in Maud to Leonard and Ima Jean Peavler Thomas.

Raised in Pearson/ Romulus area, she attended school at Moore and Saint Louis school, graduating from Saint Louis High School.

On July 16, 1953, she married Charley Hargus in Romulus.

She was a farmer and rancher and family zookeeper. She enjoyed breeding and training thoroughbred racehorses. She fed her mares herself everyday as long as she had the strength. She was diligent in lawn care and farm work, and spent her life outdoors doing what had to be done and wouldn't have it any other way. While work was important, her family and community were the cornerstones of her life. She lived her entire life in the community and lived for her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her husband Charley Hargus of the home; two daughters and two sons-in-law, Karen and Joe Huff of Macomb; and Kim and Jim Johnson of Ardmore; two sons, Mac Hargus and Lorrie Elliott of Asher; and Curtis Hargus of Shawnee; eight grandchildren, Mikki Hargus, Darrell Huff, Wiley Hargus, Mary Hargus, Betty Hargus, Shelby Johnson, Cole Hargus, and Chance Johnson; several great-grandchildren; one brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Deby Thomas of Macomb; many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, as well as numerous friends and other family members.

Service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 2, at Romulus Baptist Church with the Rev. Darrell Witten officiating.

Burial will be at Romulus Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.