Donna Joan Provow
October 10, 2022
Donna “Jo” Provow, longtime resident of Des Moines and Rising Sun community, passed away peacefully October 10, 2022.
Jo was born in Charles City, IA as the youngest of six children to Julia Elizabeth (Robinson) Clark Ingamells and George Leonard Clark on Nov 19, 1930. She married Charles William Provow on July 31, 1949, in the Little Brown Church in Nassau, IA. Jo and Chuck began married life farming in South Central Iowa. In 1953, they moved their growing family to Des Moines. In 1973, they were able to move to the community of Rising Sun, just east of Pleasant Hill. They raised four children, teaching them love of God, family, and friends.
Jo was a consummate cook, gardener, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and lover of all things fun! How she loved going tent camping, playing cards, fishing, traveling, celebrating holidays with family and opening up the world to her children. Jo encouraged her children to work for their dreams. She gave them wings. Jo and Chuck enjoyed working in their ever-expanding garden in Rising Sun and selling their home grown produce at various farmers' markets in the summer. She held many jobs, but her longest was as the circulation manager for Healthways Magazine at the American Chiropractic Association.
She was predeceased by her husband, Charles William, in 2012, oldest son, Steven Dean in 2017, four sisters, Irene Cole, Margaret Mason, Julia Louise Dowd, Martha Sherwood and a brother, George T. Clark. Jo is survived by three children; Sally Ann (Steven Nakamura) Provow, Shirley Lynne (Timothy) McEntee, and Scott Matthew (Leslie) Provow, brother-in-law Douglas Provow, sister-in-law Alice Van Fosson, seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and extended family. She will be sorely missed by many friends and buddies at the Shores of Pleasant Hill now known as The Copper Shores Village, where she made her home since 2012.
The family would like to thank everyone for their love and kindness at this difficult time. We would also like to thank the staff at The Bridges in Ankeny and St. Croix Hospice for their care and compassion. They are the best of the best!
A short visitation, beginning at 10 am will precede the funeral service, which will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 14th, at Ivy Centennial Methodist Church, 9150 NE 12th Ave, Altoona, IA, 50009. Burial will follow at Rising Sun Cemetery at East 64th and University Ave. A luncheon reception will be held at Ivy Centennial after the burial.
Memorial contributions may be directed toward the Ivy Centennial Methodist Church (www.ivycentennial.org) or St Croix Hospice (www.stcroixhospice.org)
Online condolences can be made at Hamilton's Funeral Home & After Life Services | Des Moines, Iowa (www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com).
The Fryes
10/13/2022
We send you our sincere condolences. You are in our thoughts
Susan & Stephen Kotarek
10/12/2022
Dear Sally, Steven and all families of Jo Provow,
We send our heartfelt wishes and condolences for your familys sad loss.
We were only in Rising Sun on your wedding day, but your Mom and Dad made us feel so welcome with their wonderful warmth and love. I know she will be truly missed, but to live in hearts, left behind, is not to die.
Much Love,
Susan and Stephen, Skyler and Stevie Kotarek
Chuck Montgomery
10/12/2022
Jo - Going back to EHS days you were always a positive, welcoming and joyous presence when we were in your home. Thx for those memories and so many more in the intervening years. We always knew you would treat us with love and jokes, and great home cooking. But did you have to be so good at cards? 😀. Love you. See you again! - Chuck.