JOSEPHINE ANN TYSON Josephine Ann Tyson, "Jo" as she was affectionately known to her family and friends, passed away in Eureka at the age of 94. The oldest of five children, she was born on March 18, 1922 to Tom and Mary Keating of Elk River. Josephine was a native third generation Humboldt County resident. Her grandfather Daniel Keating an Irish immigrant, was one of the first settlers to the Elk River Valley in 1861. Josephine attended Elk River Elementary School, St. Bernard's Nazareth Academy and graduated from Eureka High in 1940. She also completed a business degree at Humboldt State University. In 1944 she married Willis "Ty" Tyson and together they raised four children. During her career years Josephine held several positions. Working for Bank of America was her first employment. After her banking job she took several years off to raise her young children and then returned to a government position with the Selective Service. There she was in charge of the Draft Board of Humboldt County and respectfully offered guidance to the young men who needed her assistance. Her last position was with The Office of Social Security. She retired in 1987 after working with that department for 16 years. Josephine loved family. Whether it was a simple dinner or a large social gathering, she was ready for a celebration. She always said that one of her greatest achievement was raising her children. Their accomplishments made her proud. Jo was a planner and a delegator with organization being one of her strongest attributes. She enjoyed playing Bridge with her card groups; and following local politics. Josephine was a member of St, Bernard's Catholic Church, The Emblem Club and was active in the Eureka Woman's Club for many years. Josephine was widowed in 1996 and is survived by her four children and their spouses: Mike (Diane) Tyson of Rocklin California, Mary (Ed) DeWald of Eureka, Joan Tyson (Mark Wilson) of McKinleyville and David (Patti) Tyson of Eureka. Darrell Keating of Eureka is her surviving brother. Josephine was also blessed with seven grandchildren. They include James Tyson, Tim Tyson, Amie Parent, Adrian DeWald, Catherine Bermers, Jessica Crawford and Michael Tyson. Thirteen great grandchildren also affectionately knew her as "Grandma Jo-Jo." Numerous nieces and nephews will also fondly remember Aunt Josephine. Josephine lived a long and fulfilling life. She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband Ty, to whom she was married for fifty two years. Other predeceased siblings include Dorothy (Richard) Danielson, Mary Ellen (Gene) Householter and Daniel Keating. A Funeral Mass will be held in Josephine's honor at St. Bernard's Church on Friday, October 28th at 10:00. A Visitation will take place at Sanders Funeral Home on Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 followed by a Rosary. The family would like to sincerely thank the staff and caregivers at Timber Ridge Assisted Living for the love, compassion and kindness they continually provided. In lieu of flowers it is requested that donations be made to Hospice of Humboldt County or a favorite . Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com