Jo Ann Jarrett, 89, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, December 08, 2017, at her home in Russell.
Jo Ann was born on July 10, 1928, in Columbus, Kansas, the daughter of Russell Scott and Mildred Faye Jarrett. She grew up in Columbus, Kansas, and graduated from Cherokee High School in the class of 1946. After high school she attended the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas and graduated with a Bachelor in Elementary Education. She received her master’s degree in science from Kansas State College of Pittsburg, Kansas. She accepted her first teaching job with USD 407 in Russell, Kansas, working as an elementary teacher. She was awarded Teacher Of The Year in 1988. She continued working with USD 407 for her entire teaching career until her retirement. She loved working with the children of the Russell community. She enjoyed it so much that she continued mentoring and working with the Russell schools and teachers even after retiring from teaching. Her experience and knowledge working with children was a valuable resource to the school system and community. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Russell. She was also a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority. She enjoyed sewing and spending time with her family.
Surviving family include her nephew Michael Jarrett (Teresa) of Arlington, Texas; nieces Mary C. Mervyn of Norman, Oklahoma, Barbara Williams of Ft. Worth, Texas and Mary E. Nielsen of Lorton, Virginia and many great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, step mother Louise Stockton Jarrett; brother Donald Lee Jarrett and sister Mary L. Nielsen.
Cremation has been selected by the family and services will be held at a later date. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.