Joan Ruth "Jo" Kready
February 10, 1929 – January 31, 2020
Born in Dickenson County, Kansas February 10, 1929, Joan Ruth Hill "Jo" Kready, age 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Midland Care Hospice House in Topeka, Kansas, January 31, 2020.
She is preceded in death by parents Esther Lydia Hill Warnock and Roland William Hill; brothers James R. Hill and Robert C. Hill, and sisters Betty J. Kleiner and Peggy L. Houchins. Jo is survived by her husband of 71 years, Donald P. "Don" Kready, of Topeka; her youngest brother, Howard R. Warnock of Junction City, Kansas; children Patricia Walz, Donna, and Richard Kready. Mrs. Kready was blessed with five grandchildren, Clinton and Chad Walz; Jeffrey and Jonathan Kready, and Jennifer Kirby; and five great grandchildren.
Born into the difficult years of economic hardship Jo was raised on a farm near Chapman, where she graduated from high school in 1946. Jo married Don Kready, July 4, 1948 in Abilene, Kansas, and the couple moved to Russell, Kansas in 1949 where they first worked for Duckwall's. Later they purchased and operated the local Dairy Queen while also engaged as the regional coordinator for the company. Jo was an integral part of the couple's success and in 1958, they moved to Colby, Kansas, where they built a State Farm Insurance business in which she oversaw office operations throughout their 40-year career - with the couple earning many corporate honors. Her association in the community included Churches, Sweet Adelines, civic and bridge clubs. After moving to Topeka in 2008, Jo was a member of the Countryside United Methodist Church in Topeka.
Family will greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, February 7, 2020 at Penwell-Gabel, 1321 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66604. A funeral ceremony will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Road, Topeka, KS 66611. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Her wisdom and wonderful wit throughout her life were a joy for all who knew her, she will be greatly missed - yet we find comfort knowing she's reached her heavenly reward. Special thanks to the staff members of University of Kansas Medical Center St. Francis Campus, Brewster Place, and Midland Care Hospice for their loving care over her final days.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Countryside United Methodist Church or Midland Care Hospice, 120 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.
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