In Memory Of
Jo Annr. Ely
1926
2014
Jo Annr. Ely
June 18, 1926 — September 14, 2014
Jo Ann R. Ely, 88, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, September 14, 2014.
She was born June 18, 1926, in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of James and Verla (Patton) Rutherford. She received her Bachelor's Degree in English from Washburn University in 1967 and her Master's Degree in English from the University of Kansas in 1969.
Jo Ann taught English at Topeka High School, from 1969 until retiring in 1988.
Jo Ann married John A. Ely in 1951. They later divorced. Survivors include daughters, Ann C. "Kay" (Paul) Decelles, Lawrence and Barbara G. (Rodney) Heptig, Ft. Worth, TX; a son, James W. Ely, Kechi; grandchildren, Brad W. (Colette) House, John R. (Billie Jo) House, Kimberly K. House, Bret R. Heptig, Courtney E. Heptig, Emily Ely Holland, Jefferson P. Ely and Rachael E. Ely; great-grandchildren, Alex K. House, John R. House II, Brenden House, Madison Seymour, Alysen House, Joseph Holland and Dakota Lopez; and a sister, Verla "Patsy" Eston, Massachusetts.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, John P. Ely, her daughter-in-law, Patti Ely, her great-grandson, Kasey Pike and her brothers, James P. and Harry G. Rutherford.
Jo Ann enjoyed reading, playing bridge and bingo. Some of the highlights of her life were traveling to London with her daughter Barbara in 1989 and Disney World with her family beginning in 2007.
Jo Ann was cremated. A celebration of life ceremony will be at 4 p.m., Friday, September 19, 2014 at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka. Memorial contributions may be made to Lawrence Visiting Nurses, 200 Maine St, Lawrence, KS 66044.
To leave a special message for Jo Ann's family, please visit the guestbook below.
She was born June 18, 1926, in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of James and Verla (Patton) Rutherford. She received her Bachelor's Degree in English from Washburn University in 1967 and her Master's Degree in English from the University of Kansas in 1969.
Jo Ann taught English at Topeka High School, from 1969 until retiring in 1988.
Jo Ann married John A. Ely in 1951. They later divorced. Survivors include daughters, Ann C. "Kay" (Paul) Decelles, Lawrence and Barbara G. (Rodney) Heptig, Ft. Worth, TX; a son, James W. Ely, Kechi; grandchildren, Brad W. (Colette) House, John R. (Billie Jo) House, Kimberly K. House, Bret R. Heptig, Courtney E. Heptig, Emily Ely Holland, Jefferson P. Ely and Rachael E. Ely; great-grandchildren, Alex K. House, John R. House II, Brenden House, Madison Seymour, Alysen House, Joseph Holland and Dakota Lopez; and a sister, Verla "Patsy" Eston, Massachusetts.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, John P. Ely, her daughter-in-law, Patti Ely, her great-grandson, Kasey Pike and her brothers, James P. and Harry G. Rutherford.
Jo Ann enjoyed reading, playing bridge and bingo. Some of the highlights of her life were traveling to London with her daughter Barbara in 1989 and Disney World with her family beginning in 2007.
Jo Ann was cremated. A celebration of life ceremony will be at 4 p.m., Friday, September 19, 2014 at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka. Memorial contributions may be made to Lawrence Visiting Nurses, 200 Maine St, Lawrence, KS 66044.
To leave a special message for Jo Ann's family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jo Annr. Ely, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Memorial Service
Friday, September 19, 2014
Starts at 4:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Guestbook
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