Jo Barnes

JO ELLEN BARNES

Jo Ellen Barnes, age 51, of Fowler, IL, formerly of Clark and Lewis Counties in Missouri, died Saturday, September 26, 2009, in Sycamore Health Care in Quincy, IL, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Jo Ellen was born October 27, 1957, in Omaha, NE, the daughter of John David and Norma W. Rankin Barnes.

Survivors include a brother, John Henry Barnes and his wife, Gwendolen, of Fowler, IL; a half brother, Larry Rankin and his wife, Judy of Keokuk, IA, and their family; nephews and nieces: Dustin Henry Barnes and Emily of Avery, IA, and, Dakota Allen Barnes, Kelcy Renea Barnes and Betty Jo Barnes, all of Fowler, IL; a great- niece, Echo Elaine Barnes of Avery, IA; as well as several cousins and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Jo Ellen graduated from high school in Papillion, NE and received a degree in business from Culver Stockton College in Canton. She spent a portion of her life in northeast Missouri near St. Patrick and Canton until moving to Fowler. Jo Ellen served in the U.S. Army from 1980 until 1984 and later in the Army Reserves.

Until her illness, she had been employed by Stan Koch and Sons for six years as a truck driver and prior to that was an assistant manager for Walmart in Keokuk and later in Watseka, IL.

Jo Ellen loved to read, travel and spend time with her beloved cats and nieces and nephews. She enjoyed life and lived it to its fullest.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, September 29, 2009, at 7 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Home with Pastor Ray Gilbert officiating. Inurnment with military rites will be Friday, October 30, 2009 at 10 a.m. in the National Cemetery in Keokuk, IA.

Memorials were suggested to the family.