SALEM – Josephine Smith “Jo” Southworth, 89, died Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009, in Salem. A service in her memory will be held at a later date.

Mrs. Southworth was born March 25, 1920, in Corvallis, spending her early years on her parents’ cattle and horse ranch near Millican. Later, the family moved to a farm south of Corvallis, near Monroe.

She graduated from Oregon State College in 1941 and taught home economics at North Bend High School from 1941-1942.

In December 1942, she married J.W. “Bill” Southworth. Together they operated Southworth Brothers Ranch in Bear Valley, which they bought from his parents in 1948. There they raised three children.

She made a beautiful home out of a homestead cabin and was as adept at cooking for a visiting bishop as she was a large hay crew. In addition to being a wife, mother and homemaker, she was a member of the Seneca PTA, a 4-H and Boy Scout leader, and a member of the Grant County Cowbelles and the Eastern Star.

She was a substitute teacher at Seneca School in the 1950s and later substitute taught home economics in Grant County high schools. She was also an active member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

She had an avid interest in local history. Her column, “I Always Wondered,” about people, buildings and other interesting items from Grant County’s past ran in the Blue Mountain Eagle for several years.

She moved to Portland in 1973, where she continued her volunteer work and membership in the Episcopal Church.

In 1977, she wrote the book, “Millican Memories,” about her parents’ experiences on a desert ranch in the 1920s.

She was a kind and generous person, who was known for always looking out for those who needed a helping hand. A quotation she lived by was, “Great occasions for serving God come seldom, but little ones surround us.”

Survivors include her sister, Betty Averill of Aptos, Calif.; a daughter, Sharron Appelgate of Salem; and a son, Jack (Teresa) Southworth of Bear Valley.

She was preceded in death by a son, Billy.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 139 S. Washington St., Canyon City, OR 97820.