Jo Ann (Orr) O'Donnell

Jo Ann O'Donnell, 80 of Piedmont, MO, passed away Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at Greenville Nursing and Rehab, Greenville. MO. She was born in Ft. Pierce, FL, March 27, 1940, to parents Harry S. and Mildred P. (Pank) Orr. 

Jo Ann was a loving and loyal wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. On October 15, 1960, she married Michael O’Donnell, and to this union, three children were born. Jo Ann was a woman of many talents. She was a businesswoman, and co-owner of M&O Motors, owner, and operator of Shapes Fitness Center for sixteen years. Jo Ann oversaw the Piedmont Christmas parade for several years, she was a member of the Eastern Star in Ellington and involved in various charities such as St. Jude’s, March of Dimes, and the American Cancer Society. She enjoyed going to shows at the Fox Theater in St. Louis with Mike, as well as traveling across the country checking out the latest towing equipment.  Many memories were created traveling to Florida to see family and friends and of course, every trip included a stop at the beach. 

Jo Ann was a Christian and of the Methodist faith. She didn’t just attend church, Jo Ann loved serving and being a part of it all:  Sunday School, Vacation Bible Family Adventure or the choir, she wanted to jump in wherever she was needed.  For many years, she served as choir director at The First Christian Church of Piedmont as well as the First Baptist Church of Annapolis, and organized, helped, directed, or sang at many Christmas Cantatas and services.  Later, she was a part of the Three J’s for Jesus (Jack, Jeanette, and Jo Ann) where they traveled to various churches spreading the joy of Jesus through song.  She was most recently a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont. Jo Ann was well known for her singing and had a smile for everyone she met. She might break out in song anywhere; at M&O as she brought everyone a midmorning snack, in the car by herself listening or singing along with the radio, with her family, and even while chatting over a cup of coffee with a friend.  When her children were smaller, most mornings they were awakened to the sounds of their Mama singing, “You are my Sunshine” at their bedroom door.  And anyone who knew her, knew she was not only a shopping connoisseur, but also a master of naps. 

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her son, Kenneth O’Donnell, and grandson, Nicholas Lovelace.

Jo Ann is survived by her loving husband, Mike, of sixty years, children: Matt O’Donnell of Piedmont, Noralee Lovelace of St. Louis, Hope O’Toner of Flagstaff, AZ; grandchildren: Shane O’Toner of Orlando, FL, Hunter Lovelace of Barnhart, Cole Lovelace of Piedmont, Lane Lovelace of Piedmont, brother: Bobby Orr and wife Katrina of Ft. Pierce, FL and great grandchildren, Katie Jo and Abby O’Toner of Orlando, FL. Jo Ann will be greatly missed by her family and friends, but they now know she is dancing and singing with Jesus. 

Visitation was held at 12:00 noon, Sunday, November 22, 2020, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service followed at 2:00 pm, also in the Piedmont chapel. Pastor Richard Sanders ministered to the family. A poem written by Hope O’Toner was read by Jeff Radford. Burial will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, November 28, 2020, at Riverview Memorial Park Cemetery, Ft. Pierce, FL. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

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