Josephine ‘Jo’ Anne Caldwell, 95, passed away Jan. 2, 2021, in Hutchinson. She was born Nov. 11, 1925, in Woodward, OK, to Robert E. and Nelle Rose (Woolf) Freeto.
Jo was a 1944 graduate of Hutchinson High School and attended the University of Kansas. On November 18, 1945, she married G. Merl Caldwell, in Hutchinson. They shared over 66 years of marriage prior to his death on April 3, 2012.
Jo worked as a receptionist at the Hutchinson Clinic for over 20 years. She was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, Hutchinson, and a member of the United Methodist Women’s Circle. Jo enjoyed reading and listening to music, especially when her kids or grandkids were performing. She was always focused on her family and her home, and was known for her wonderful sense of humor and kind heart.
She is survived by her children, Jan (Dan) Higgins of Leawood, Rick (Cindy) Caldwell of Branson, MO, Kathy Walker of Hutchinson, John (Lucy) Caldwell of Queens, NY, and Nancy (Bob) Corkins of Lawrence; grandchildren, Kip Higgins, Corey Higgins, Ashley Lindeman, Emily Caldwell, Sarah Caldwell, Hannah Caldwell, Jennie Marsh, Ben Walker, Kristen Kunze, Nathan Walker, Jon Corkins, and Sam Corkins; and 11 great-grandchildren, with another one due in February.
Jo was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and sisters, Ada Freeto and Roberta Howard.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life gathering will be scheduled at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church, Hutchinson, or Hutchinson Meals On Wheels Inc., in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
The family wishes to thank all the caregivers who assisted Jo in her final years and allowed her to remain in her home, which was always her greatest wish.