Josephine “Jo” Moore, 102, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2026. Jo was born on February 11, 1924, in Benton, to William C. Ludwig and Iva Webb Ludwig. She was a graduate of Benton Community High School (Class of 1942) and an alumna of Southern Illinois University.
She married Kenneth “Pete” Moore on December 5, 1947, and together they made their home in Benton. Jo began her career as a stenographer for a Franklin County judge before joining Franklin Hospital in 1961, where she would go on to serve for over 50 years. During that time she worked in administration, serving as official secretary of both the Hospital Board and Medical Staff. Upon her retirement in 2012, she was honored by the hospital staff and recognized by the Benton Evening News as part of their “Women in the Workforce” feature.
In retirement, Jo made her home at Lake of Egypt, where she tended an extensive flower garden, cared for countless animals, and enjoyed life on the water. She enjoyed traveling to visit family across the country. A devoted fan of the SIU Salukis and Benton Rangers, Jo held season tickets for much of her life and was honored at SIU Arena on her 100th birthday.
Jo had a gift for lighting up every room she entered. Her warmth and wit drew people to her naturally, and those lucky enough to know her were treated to her sharp humor and an endless supply of stories told with perfect timing. Even at 102, she met life with the same optimism and determination that defined her from the very beginning.
Jo was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Lorma, and her husband. She is survived by her daughter, Mary May Moore, and son-in-law Tom Corpora of Hilton Head Island, SC, and by three grandchildren: Jillian Corpora of Denver, CO; Nic Corpora and his wife Heidi of San Francisco, CA; and Simone Corpora of Greenville, SC. She is also survived by her three nieces — Beverly, Barbara, and Blythe Bauer, daughters of her late sister Lorma — and their families.
Jo was able to live independently in her own home until shortly before her death, a gift made possible by the generous care of her friends and neighbors. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Spangler, DaRosa, Finnigan, Broadway, Watson, and Beurger families for making Jo’s comfort and companionship a priority in her final years.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 31, 2026, from 2-5 p.m. at “Just Add Water” at Lake of Egypt. All are welcome to come and share their favorite memories of Jo.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.patefh.com
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