Jo Ann Waite

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Jo Anne Blankenship Waite was born October 26th, 1935 to Oscar and Irene Blankenship, on a farm east of Adrian, MO and departed this life for her eternal reward March 31st, 2024.

She started her formal education in a one room country school and graduated from Adrian High School in 1953. After high school she attended and graduated from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Kansas City as an RN. She then spent one year in Bible College in Lincoln, IL.

Jo Anne worked in hospitals in Lincoln, IL, Boulder, CO and Kirksville, MO. While in Kirksville she and Gene Wait were married, March 30th, 1958. They served Christian Churches in Winnigan, Bland, Baldwin, and Crane, MO. She was Gene’s number one supporter while serving in the ministry.

When Gene became involved with not-for-profit-organizations in Springfield, MO, Jo Anne went to work for Cox Hospital in 1969 and worked there for 27 years. When she retired, she began volunteering in the NTIC Unit and was there for 23 years, giving 9,000 hours of service.

Jo Anne was a member of the Glendale Christian Church in Springfield for 50 years. She worked in various ways as a teacher, nursery worker, and took special interest in organizing the health ministry. She supported Gene teaching the Cornerstone Class. They became members of Park Plaza Christian Church when they moved to Joplin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 65 years, a sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law. She is survived by her two sons, Stanley and wife Elizabeth, Joplin, Bradley, of the home, two grandchildren, Matt and wife, Rachel, D’Anna and husband Kevin, two great granddaughters and three great grandsons. A brother Richard, and a sister, Ruth, and a host of church and professional friends.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, gifts or donations be given to Good News Productions in Joplin or Christian Campus House in Springfield.

Visitation will be held at Park Plaza Christian Church from 1:00-2:00pm with a funeral service to follow. A burial will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery directly following the service.

Arrangements provided by Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory.