Jo Berger

(From Benton County Funeral Home)

It is with a heavy heart that our family announces the death of Billi Jo “Jo” Berger, who passed away in the morning of March 11th, 2024, at the age of 78. Jo was born on April 16th, 1945, in Ozark, MO, to William “Bill” Eugene Maples and Evelyn Lucille (Palmer) Maples. 

Jo is survived by one brother, Matthew Maples (Marsha), Independence, MO; her daughter, Melissa Reynolds, Bentonville, AR, and her son Christof Berger (LeAnn O'Neal Berger), Cameron Park, CA; three grandchildren, Nick Reynolds (Kelsey), Joplin, MO, Andrea Villa (Austin), Bentonville, AR, Cassie Reynolds, Portland, OR; three great-grandchildren, Hunter, Malachi, and Abram; as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Along with her parents, Jo is preceded in death by her brother, Norman “Buck” Maples.

Spending most of her life in Independence, MO, Jo established herself in the real estate community, serving as an agent and then as a broker.

After moving to Joplin, MO, she opened IVL Training Systems where she was an instructor teaching young real estate professionals from all over Missouri. 

While her professional passion was real estate, her personal passion was theatre. She was a practiced actress, earning several awards for her performances throughout her life. She was also known to volunteer for the Child & Parent Center in her spare time. 

Upon retirement, Jo found joy in knitting. She made many creations for family and loved ones, regularly knitted hats for newborns in the NICU, especially the American Heart Association, and also knitted slippers for various women’s shelters in the area.

Jo leaves behind a legacy of tenacity, connection, and personal strength which carried her through many struggles and uplifted others who sought her advice and support. She will be remembered for her talent to write and tell fantastic stories and her ability to connect with others. She was a warrior in life, and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends.