Dolores "Jo" Joan LaMasters Kenworthy Dunkerson
September 19, 2014
Dolores Joan “Jo” LaMasters Kenworthy Dunkerson, 82, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2014. A celebration of Jo’s life will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Jo generously donated her body to Des Moines University.
Jo was born on November 29, 1931 in Creston, IA to John and Clarella (Ringberg) LaMasters. She spent much of her career working in the finance industry and retired from Stern Finance in 2000. She was also an entrepreneur and owned the Grand Beauty Salon for 10 years. Jo married Clarence J. Kenworthy on June 12, 1949 and the union was blessed with 3 children. They were married for 30 years before his passing. Jo married Dale Dunkerson, a high school friend and they were married for 23 years before his passing. Jo was on the Johnston Senior Advisory Board and an active member of the Johnston Women’s Social Connection. You could find her playing cards each and every day with all of her card clubs or bowling on Senior Leagues at Merle Hay Lanes which was her fullest enjoyment. Every Christmas for the past 10 years, Jo would treat all of her family to a night out of bowling at Merle Hay Lanes.
She is survived by her son, William (Barb) Kenworthy; daughters, Debbie (Larry) Lesley, and Kathy (Scott) Holland; 6 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren with one due in March; 3 step-children, Karen Devard, Jean (Ron) Peterson, and Marsha (David) Sharp; 10 step-grandchildren; 4 step-great-grandchildren; and her brothers, George and Herby LaMasters. Jo was preceded in death by her parents; both of her husbands; her granddaughter, Kelly Kenworthy; grandson, Grant Kenworthy; sister, Evelyn Kinkade; brothers, Bud and Mike LaMasters; and step-son, Bill Dunkerson.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Taylor House Hospice. The family thanks Dr. Nordstrom and the Taylor House staff for the exceptional care Jo received while there. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Jamie
09/25/2014
Grandma, words cannot describe how much I will miss you. I feel like we connected on so many things in life. I will try to live as well as you & have as much fun as you did! I remember so many good times, more recently breakfasts at Village Inn & the funny stories you told me while in hospice. Love you Grandma. I promise to keep my Mom & everyone else happy & enjoy the adventures life has in store for us! Love you forever. Jamie
Becky Wagner
09/24/2014
It was always fun coming to visit you and Maxwell always loved to come see "Jo Jo" and play with the coloring books/markers you had at your house for the kids. We love you and you will be truly missed!
Love,
Becky
Susie Elmore Atterberg
09/23/2014
Bill and Barb, Deb and Kathy and families, Sorry to hear about your mom. I have great memories of her on North 5th in Keokuk. Its been years since I've seen her but know she was a special lady. You're all in our thoughts and prayers.
Mark and Susie Atterberg
Jenny
09/21/2014
Love and miss you, grandma. I know you are at peace now and with grandpa again and that brings me comfort. Thank you for being a wonderful grandma to me and great-grandma to Emma. She says "love you Jo Jo". Love always, Jenny
Chris Wagner
09/21/2014
I am going to miss talking about the Cubs whenever I see you, among many other things. Luckily I have many great memories of you and being at your house at the farm. I will never forget these memories or the time I shared with you. Miss and love you Grandma.
Jean
09/21/2014
Mom Jo, you are now with your loved ones in heaven, taking care of them like you've been wanting for awhile. We were so blessed to have you in our lives. You were such a caring, fun lady. I miss you and love you so! Looking forward to seeing you in Eternal Life.
Karen
09/21/2014
God brought you to us when we needed you most, and now, 35 years later,he has taken you home. You were our 2nd Mom, and I will love you and miss you until I see your wonderful smile again
Marsha
09/20/2014
Elegant but fun loving, humorous, intelligent and so energetic. So glad you are in heaven running around, spreading your wings, kicking your feet up and dancing! Hip pain no more; look out everyone! Go get em' Jo! Love you so much!
Deb
09/20/2014
Thank you for being our Mom, you are the best !! I will keep on having margaritas for you. You will live in my heart forever, Love you, Deb
kathy
09/20/2014
You are now at peace and probably having a cocktail. Hope you got your kiss from Dale. I will miss you so much. You will be in my heart forever. GO HAWKEYES!!!!!
Love ya bunches
Kathy