Mary Jo Garrett-Streit Bolfing

Mary Jo (Garrett-Streit) Bolfing, 85, passed away Saturday, June 6, 2015 in Waco, TX, the city of her birth. Mary Jo was born August 6, 1929 to Bessie and J.B. Garrett. She graduated from Waco High School in 1946. She married Johnnie Armin Streit of Taylor in 1949. After 31 years of marriage Johnnie died in November of 1980. Mary Jo married Gerald W. Bolfing of Waco in February 1990, they shared 25 years of marriage until his death in May.

Mary Jo spent her childhood in Waco. She moved to Taylor, TX as a young woman and began working at Montgomery Wards. After becoming Mrs. Streit she became a homemaker and mother, the role she cherished most. She threw herself completely into this role serving as an active leader/parent with Northside Elementary, Brownies, Cub Scouts and First United Methodist Church, and anywhere else a parent was needed. She always challenged her children to excel but was also quick to acknowledge with pride even the smallest accomplishment. When her children were older she went to work for Dr. Ben Sobotik who became a dear friend. She worked for Ben for close to 15 years. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was an amazing cook, who loved cooking for others and entertaining. Unique homemade snacks were a dependable commodity for her children as was a homemade dinner served promptly at 5:30pm when Johnnie returned home from work! Swing music, old movies, family history and heirlooms made her happy. Her faith and her church were key in her life. Most of all she loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Throughout her life she was drawn to the bright colors of spring: green, pink, yellow and butterflies. In celebration of her life she would love to see people wear these bright, joyful colors as we remember her.

She is preceded in death by her first husband Johnnie Streit, her second husband, Gerald W. Bolfing, her parents and her beloved daughter Susan Streit Blount.

She is survived by her sister, Regina Hoffman of Richardson; son, Brad Streit and wife, Suzi, of Tyler; step-daughters, Patty and husband, Ed B. Fulbright, Jr. of Richardson; Michael Ann Bolfing of Austin; step-sons, Gerald L. Bolfing and wife, Kimberly of Waco; John R. Bolfing and wife, Gailey, of Montgomery. Grandchildren; Don Bearden and wife, Coty; Christopher Streit and wife, Abby; Connor Streit , Rachel Milstead and husband, Dylan; Garrett Blount and wife, Traci; Jeremy Fulbright, Zachary Fulbright and wife, Tiffany; Jacob Fulbright and wife, Jana; Jennifer Fulbright, Emily Bolfing-Donohoo, Beau Bolfing, Shelby Jo Bolfing, Molly Bolfing, Tyler Bolfing, Brooke Bolfing, Joshua Bolfing, Brock Bolfing, and 10 great-grandchildren. Niece Claire Hoffman Scott and nephew Carl Hoffman.

A brief memorial service will be held in the chapel of the First United Methodist Church, 4901 Cobbs Dr., Waco, TX at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2015. She was an active member of the Wesleyan Workers for over 20 years and dearly loved the church and her Sunday school class.

Funeral will be Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church in Taylor, 907 W. Lake Dr., Taylor, TX at 10:00 a.m., viewing prior to the funeral. Burial will follow at the Taylor Cemetery.

The family would like to give special recognition to Uni Murphy, Salena, Lauralee, Mo and Annette at Lake Ridge Healthy Living. They have been angels on earth who showed Mary Jo and her family true “Christ Like” love.

In lieu of flowers the family asks memorials be made to the Susan Streit Blount Memorial Scholarship. Taylor ISD/Scholarship, 3101 North Main Street, Suite 104, Taylor, TX 76574.