Jo Ann Reed Cole, 95, of Hutchinson, died August 15, 2023, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born April 17, 1928, in Larned, to H. Leon “Hopper” and Mae (Couchman) Reed.
Jo Ann graduated from Larned High School in 1946 and Stephens College in Columbia, MO, in 1948. She was owner and president of Jo Ann’s Fans and McVay Wrecker Service. Jo Ann was a member of DAR, Fort Larned Chapter; Hutchinson Hospital Auxiliary for over 55 years, serving as a board member and volunteer; Hutchinson Symphony, where she played the violin and served on the board; and First Presbyterian Church, where she previously served as Elder. Jo Ann loved to golf and play bridge. She especially loved whale-watching vacations with her family in Maui.
On December 4, 1954, Jo Ann married Bill Rayl Cole, in Larned. He died November 18, 1993. She had been previously married to Vincent Ralph Stephens Sr.
Jo Ann is survived by: her children, Vince Stephens Jr. (Pattie) of Hutchnson, Janet Cole of Salem, SC, Martha Blood (Gilman) of Overland Park; grandchildren, Hunter Cole (Heidi) of Colorado Springs, CO, Chandler Blood of Overland Park, Bailey Blood of Lawrence; step-grandson, Justin Crane (Jennifer) of Hutchinson; step-granddaughters, Amy Burgett of Hays, Jenny Burgett of Rogers, AR; step-great-granddaughter, Jaden Burgett of Rogers, AR; and many extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Norma Crawford.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 11 a.m., Monday, August 21, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church, 201 E. Sherman St., Hutchinson.
Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.
Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.