Jo Anne Rowe
August 31, 2021
Jo Anne Rowe, 78, passed away August 31, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on October 13, 1942, the daughter of Arvid and Helen Gates.
Jo retired from Blue Cross after 30 years of dedicated service. In retirement, she went to work for EDS.
An avid reader, Jo spent many hours lounging in her swing with a good book and cold glass of iced tea. If she wasn’t reading, she could be found shopping at Younkers or Helzberg’s.
Jo is survived by her children, Jill (Bill) Laidlaw, Bill (Tammy) Kyle, and Deb (Ken) Saul; grandchildren: Bailey, Alexis, Shelby, Tawny (Aaron), Breanna, Darrick, and Mikaila; great-grandchildren: Chance, Elliana, Mavrick, Millie, and Paisleigh. She is also survived by her siblings, Rick (Alene) Gates and Roberta Ickowitz; nephew, Richard (Anne) Bainter; brother-in-law, Ralph (Judy) Rowe; as well as other loving family and many special friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence; and her siblings, Ted, Junior, and Norma.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave. in Des Moines with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home Tuesday evening from 5-7 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League or the Alzheimer’s Association in loving memory of Jo.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Deb Ryerson Ryerson Burford
09/09/2021
I was sorry to hear about Jo Ann's passing but it brought back many great memories of working with her at BCBS back in the early 1970's. JoAnn trained me on the key to tape machine. I sat across from her, we had such fun times, probably too many. We played jokes on each other. I was right out of high school and she took me under her wing. She was a beautiful lady. RIP Jo Ann.
Mark Rutledge
09/08/2021
To me, Jo was a force of nature. She is certainly someone I will remember for all of my life.
Kelly Neil
09/06/2021
I am so sorry for your loss. She always had a beautiful smile and so kind.
May your memory of Jo bring you comfort and peace.
Ralph and Judith Rowe
09/05/2021
Jill, Bill and Deb, we both are so sorry for the loss of you Mom. She was the best at games when we did get in town, never a dull moment with her. We can't be with you in person so know we are there in spirit. Love, Uncle Ralph and Aunt Judy
Amanda J Nederhoff
09/03/2021
She is now home with her husband and family again! She will be dearly missed
John & Carla Clement
09/03/2021
Jo and Clarence became friends because of Clarence and I working at Deere. They both are missed. With the Lords love and prayers. Carla and John Clement
Denise Rutledge
09/02/2021
I am so sorry for your loss. Jo had such an impact on the lives of so many, mine included. She was fiercely loyal and loved her friends and family. She was one of a kind and will be missed.
Suzanne Gates
09/02/2021
She will be missed by many....I love you, Aunt Jo Anne. Your free...see you on the other side. Love you....Jill, Bill and Deb. You all are in my heart and prayers!
Amy & Craig Harper
09/02/2021
So sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom Jill. Sending our love and sympathy to you and Bill and the rest of your family.
Kevin Rowe
09/02/2021
My prayers and love go out to all of Jo Anne's family from my family here in Colorado.
Deb Kimmey Good
08/31/2021
I am so sorry to hear about Jo. We worked a lot of years together at Blue Cross. Yhoughts and prayers are with the family