Josephine M Fox's Obituary
Josephine Marie Fox, age 89, of Centerville, Iowa, passed away on January 13, 2026, at Mercy One in Centerville.
Josephine was born on November 23, 1936, in Rathbun, Iowa, to Phillip and Sophia (Obas) Widmar. She was raised in Rathbun and Centerville and graduated from Centerville High School with the Class of 1955. On May 21, 1955, Josephine married Jack L. Fox at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centerville.
Throughout her life, Josephine had a strong work ethic and enjoyed working in local restaurants. She began working as a waitress at the age of 13 at the Appanoose County Country Club. Later, when her mother purchased the State Way Café off the square, Josephine worked alongside her. She also worked at the Eagle Bar in Rathbun and later at the Pale Moon, where she continued working well into her seventies.
Josephine loved gardening and canning the produce she grew. She had a special love for dogs, from small Yorkies to large St. Bernards, which she raised for several years. Josephine adored all animals - especially her cats - as well as her indoor and outdoor birds. She also enjoyed fishing. In her younger years, she was an avid bowler and participated in a Thursday afternoon bowling league.
She cherished time with her family and was affectionately known as "Grammy." She loved cooking, baking - especially her homemade bread - sauerkraut and meatballs, and Sunday dinners. She generously shared her famous Croatian nut rolls with others at Christmas and on holidays, if you were one of the lucky ones. Grammy made Jell-O Jigglers for the kids - something they always looked forward to. She took delight in crocheting - making blankets, scarfs and ornaments for the Christmas Tree.
Josephine especially loved summers at home, where her backyard pool became a gathering place for family. She loved watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren spend long summer days swimming, laughing, and making memories together - moments that brought her great joy.
Josephine was a faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centerville.
She is survived by her daughters, Debbie (Lyle) Hodges and Rita (Steve) Baker; four grandchildren, Angela (Russ) Ocker, Jeremy Hodges (Chris Rodgers), Ryan (Danielle) Hodges, and Alex Baker; four great-grandchildren, Sydney and Jaxson Ocker and Amelia and Lennox Hodges; her brother, Richard Widmar, and his wife, Cora Lee Widmar; and her beloved pets, Willie the Cockatiel and Venus the cat.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack; and her brother, Phillip Widmar, and his wife, Kathy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30AM, Saturday, January 17, 2026 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centerville with Fr. Ron Hodges officiating. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery in Centerville. A Vigil will be held at 5:00PM, Friday, January 16, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville with Deacon Ed leading. Visitation will follow the vigil with the family greeting friends until 7:00PM. Memorials have been established to either St. Mary's Catholic Church or Furever Friends, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Fox Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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