Jonesboro- Mary Beth Sodon Oswald of Jonesboro died peacefully in her home, Sunday, August 30, 2020. Born August 18, 1940, she recently celebrated her 80th birthday with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was the widow of Richard Oswald, daughter to the late Gertrude and Spencer Hardin, and sister to the late Grace Audrey Hardin. She was a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and worked for Jonesboro Public Schools for 32 years. Honoring the life and death of Mary Beth are her two daughters, Rose Mary (Brian) Thomas of Mabelvale and Carolyn (Steve) Gray of Mountain Home. She is lovingly called Grandma and Granny by her five grandchildren, Elizabeth (Daniel) Robertson of Blue Springs, Missouri, Brian “Buddy” Thomas, Jr. of Mountain View, 2nd Lt. Patrick (Taylor) Thomas of Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, Maria Thomas and John Paul Thomas both of Mabelvale, and five great-grandchildren, Ben Robertson, Lily Robertson, Connor Robertson, Anastasia Robertson, and Patrick “PJ” Thomas, Jr. She is sister to Ruby Mae Easley of Ft. Meyers, Florida, Rebecca Kay (John) Manus of Greenbrier, James (Wanda) Sodon of St. Louis, Missouri, and Bill (Jackie) Sodon of Houston, Texas. Many nieces and nephews loving call her Aunt Mary Beth. Her late maternal grandmother, Ora Ivester, known to many as “Granny”, was important in the upbringing of Mary Beth. Teaching her to cook, especially baking biscuits, and attending church together were gifts from Granny. Her senior year at Jonesboro High School was a special time. She married her sweetheart, Richard C. Oswald. Richard worked at General Electric in Jonesboro, while Mary Beth became a Stay-at-Home Mom. Volunteering was an important aspect of Mary Beth’s life, including as a Girl Scout leader and at her daughters’ schools. She enjoyed working with others on crafts and outdoor skills. She loved animals, especially dogs and cats. Family camping was a natural adventure for the Oswald family at “The Cabin” built by Richard. Mary Beth was a seamstress; often making matching dresses for her daughters and herself. Cooking was another enjoyment. Biscuits, pies, and decorated cakes were her most requested baked goods. Backyard life was a great past time with barbequing and homemade ice cream; neighbors were as family. She passed her volunteer passion, love of the outdoors, animals, creativity, sewing, and cooking to her family. After retirement she continued traveling and vacationing, especially with her daughter Carolyn and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She held a special New Year’s tradition celebrating with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Mary Beth are visitation begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by 11:00 a.m. Rosary Service, and Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 3, all at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1107 East Highland Dr., Jonesboro. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Jonesboro under the direction of Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home. Memorials can be made to Blessed Sacrament School Scholarship Fund, Northeast Arkansas Animal Shelter, American Red Cross, St. Jude Children’s Hospital or to donor’s choice. Donating blood in her name is also a wonderful tribute to Mary Beth. Honored to serve as pallbearers, Brian “Buddy” Thomas, 2nd Lt. Patrick Thomas, Daniel Robertson, John Manus, Spencer Manus and Reed Manus. All attendees must wear masks and observe social distancing guidelines.