Dr. Mary Jo (Lasley) Litten

Dr. Mary Jo Litten, 72, of Nevada, Mo., passed away Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, after an extended battle with Alzheimer’s Disease at Barone Alzheimer’s Care Center in Nevada. Mary was born April 25, 1947, in Lockwood, Mo., to Robert Glenn and Ida Louise (Jennings) Lasley.

She graduated from Nevada High School in 1965 and attended the University of Missouri, Columbia graduating with a B.A. in Vocal Performance. She subsequently attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo where she received her M.A. in Vocal Performance, and also received her Master’s degree in Psychology from Pittsburg State University in 1987. Mary Jo was a tremendously gifted musician and a consummate performer. A spinto soprano with a warm, dramatic timbre to her voice, she was also a multi-instrumentalist who played the bassoon and piano. While at MU, Mary Jo was a flautist in Marching Mizzou. It was during summer band camp where she met her ex-husband David Litten (they unknowingly lived next door to each other in Nevada the summer after their senior year of High School). Mary Jo performed in various operatic productions during her college years and later taught music and voice at both Southwest Baptist University and Cottey College. As the director of the Chancel Choir at the United Methodist Church, she planned and arranged music for services and frequently performed as a soloist, especially during holiday services. Mary Jo instilled a deep love of the Arts in her children with whom she performed in various productions at the local Community Center for the Performing Arts.

A life-long student with a passion for learning, Mary Jo continued her education at Pittsburg State University and Kansas State University in the mid-80’s through mid-90’s, earning her Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the latter in 1996. After receiving her Ph.D., Mary Jo returned to Pittsburg State University where she was a valuable tenured professor in the department of Psychology and Counseling. During her time at PSU, Mary Jo was an outstanding instructor who cared deeply for her students. She was passionate about teaching scientific writing and research methods to her students as she clearly understood the importance of the role that science plays in understanding human behavior. An incredibly caring and compassionate person, Mary Jo also championed progressive causes and ideals. She donated her time and money to the advancement of women and minorities and helped her parents establish a sustaining scholarship at Pittsburg State University for students pursuing degrees in Psychology and Counseling. Mary Jo retired from PSU in 2010 and her presence has been deeply missed.

Most importantly, Mary Jo was an amazing and loving mother, sister, daughter, aunt, and wife. She demonstrated a deep and abiding love for her family which formed the basis of her care and compassion for her fellow man. Mary Jo imparted in her children the same values, fairness, compassion, and equality that she championed throughout her life.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Barone Alzheimer’s Care Center, especially those who helped Mary Jo transition in her final hours of life. The dedication and level of care she received during her time at Barone’s was truly awe-inspiring and unprecedented in our collective experience.

Mary Jo is survived by her two children, Sarah Brooks (Greg) of New York, N.Y., and John David Litten (Cheyenne) of Berkley, Calif.; three grandchildren, Jack Brooks, Lucy Brooks, and Sadie Litten; one brother, Robert F. Lasley (Karen) of Lawrence, Kan.; and one niece, several nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, John David Lasley; and one sister, Janet Lasley.

Memorial services will be held in the spring at the United Methodist Church in Nevada, Mo.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mary Jo’s name to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (www.curealz.org), the Neighbor’s Center of Nevada, Mo., (417-667-3990), or the Robert G. and I. Louise Lasley Family Memorial Scholarship at Pittsburg State University -Scholarship #1130604 (620-231-7000 ask for the Foundation Department).

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.