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Jo Anne Connell RobertsPassing: December 10, 2016

Service:

Chastain Funeral Home

Funeral Service

Friday, December 16th @ 11:00 am

Visitation:

Chastain Funeral Home

Thursday, December 15th @ 4:00-8:00 pm

Friday, December 16th @ 10:00-11:00 am

Cemetery:

Mitchell Cemetery

Friday, December 16th

MITCHELL – On Saturday, December 10, 2016, at 10:27 p.m., surrounded by her loving daughter, Tammy Jo, Jo Anne Connell Roberts passed away into Glory at IU Health Indianapolis Hospital.

Jo Anne was born on May 16, 1948, to Robert and Wilma (Wright) Connell.  Jo Anne’s childhood memories were filled with fun, love, and laughter.  She enjoyed spending time  outdoors running with her dogs, climbing trees and participating in a bit of mischief with her siblings and cousins.

After graduating from Mitchell High School in 1966, she married and had one daughter, Tammy.  After her life living on military bases, she returned to Mitchell.

Jo Anne worked several jobs but found her true calling when she graduated from Ivy Tech as an LPN.  Jo Anne was the Occupational Health Nurse at Carpenter Body Works for many years.  During her time at Carpenters, she received many certifications in OSHA standards regarding Occupational Health and environmental practices, and met her second family consisting of the beloved coworkers with whom she remained close to after the plant closed.  Many memories have been shared through the years of the great times they all had between the walls of that bus factory.

Jo Anne then returned to Dunn Memorial Hospital to perform Occupational Health Services and manage Dunn’s Walk-In Clinic and other specialty clinics.  Here another family of dear friends was created by coworkers.

Following Dunn, Jo Anne was employed by Indiana University Health Bedford rejoining many members of her Dunn family while adding new friends to her life.

She was very successful both professionally and personally.  During her career she received many additional certifications and honors and her life was filled with community activities including serving as the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary President and contributing time and money to various local and national charities.

Jo Anne had a quick wit and always knew the perfect comment to bring joy, to the room and make others laugh.  This trait along with her infectious smile and jobs working with the public made her a popular person in the community.  Often times when visiting local restaurants with family she would barely finish her meal due to the number of people that stopped by the table to talk with her which she truly enjoyed.  A trip to the local grocery store could easily turn into a two hour social event.

Surviving Jo Ann Connell Roberts is:
one daughter,
Tammy Roberts and Dominick Scarfone of Bedford
 one grandson,
Andino Scarfone of Bedford
two brothers,
Robert and Phyllis Connell of Mitchell
Steven C. and Nancy Connell of Canton, Michigan
two sisters,
Marilyn and Mike Gifford of Bedford
Susan Connell Wilson of Bedford
nieces,
Kathi and Jim Root of Bloomington
Hollie Wilson and Chad Eric Jones of Bedford
Marci and Scott Staley of Veedersburg
nephew,
Jason and Whitney Connell of Charlestown
and several great nephews

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Jo Anne will be remembered as a fabulous mother, an adoring grandmother, loving sister, a generous aunt, a loyal friend, a diligent nurse, and a medical adviser to many.  She will be greatly missed.

She will be missed most of all by the one true love of her life, her grandson, Andino Scarfone.

We will all miss Jo Anne but we must smile and take comfort knowing she is in Heaven with her family and friends, running with her dogs, climbing trees, and perhaps participating in a bit of mischief.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 16, in the Memorial Chapel of Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center with Pastor Dwight Dunbar officiating.  Burial will be in Mitchell Cemetery.

Friends may call from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday and from 10:00 a.m. until the service on Friday at the funeral home.

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23 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: Joy Pridemore Upton | Lake Charles, La
    Date: December 16, 2016
    I am not ready to say goodbye, so I will say this. I love you and miss you, and so glad I was able to sit with you during the parade. I will miss our texts and long funny phone calls. I will see you again my sweet, sweet Joanne.I'll be the one with the pretty blue eye shadow on. Big hug and kiss. Little Joy P.S. I'll try to stop acting ignorant, eat more fried pie and mayo sandwiches like you told me too. Hugs and lots of love for Tammy & Andy. ❤
  2. Guest: Kristy Brewer Evans | Mitchell
    Date: December 15, 2016
    Shew was such a sweetheart. I have a lot of memories of her. She will be greatly missed. Tammy and Andy and the rest of the family will be in my prayers and thoughts.
  3. Guest: Pam and Phil Meadows | Mitchell, IN
    Date: December 15, 2016
    There are no words to express the sadness I have been feeling this week. JoAnne was one of the funniest, most genuine people I ever knew. Her passing will leave a hole in my circle of friends that will never be filled. She was one of a kind. My condolences to Tammy and the rest of the family. Fly high, JoAnne! Until we meet again...
  4. Guest: Paul and Kathy Stroud | Mitchell, IN.
    Date: December 14, 2016
    Such a loss to so many...our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families...God Bless!
  5. Guest: Cindy (Tanksley) Ryan | Mt. Juliet, TN
    Date: December 14, 2016
    Your mom will be sadly missed. She was always so sweet and caring. My condolences. Thoughts and prayers for you guys.
  6. Guest: Rhonda Dumond | Springville IN
    Date: December 14, 2016
    Fly High JoAnne! Gone too soon but never forgotten. Love and prayers for all.
  7. Guest: Sharon Nash | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: December 13, 2016
    Prayers for the family! Jim and Sharon Nash
  8. Guest: Chris P. Shipman | Nashville, IN
    Date: December 13, 2016
    My thoughts and prayers go out to all the families. Jo Anne helped me get hired on at Carpenters one summer while I was in college. Heaven is getting a good woman!
  9. Guest: Pam & Joe Vanzant | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: December 13, 2016
    Joe and I are so sorry to hear of Jo Anne's passing, and our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Connell Family. Tammy, your mother was one of the funniest people I have ever met, her quick wit and sense of humor will be greatly missed. She always had a smile and a great story to tell. I know that she will be missed by all of you and by all the people that she touched in her life.
  10. Guest: Cindy Watterson Bailey | Mitchell, IN
    Date: December 13, 2016
    I grew up knowing Jo Anne as our mothers were good friends. She could always make me laugh. She will be greatly missed.
  11. Guest: Mike & Suzie Leatherman | Mitchell, IN
    Date: December 13, 2016
    To all the family: So sorry for your loss! A SPECIAL angel was needed so God chose Jo Ann! She was one of a kind, loving, caring, mischievous and always had a way of brightening a room!! Her wit and compassion for others will truly be missed! Love and prayers to all of you!!
  12. Guest: Amber Terry | Bedford, indiana
    Date: December 13, 2016
    PRAYERS for the family
  13. Guest: Lynn Carr Bradley | McCormick, SC
    Date: December 13, 2016
    Jo Anne was such a wonderful spirit!! She will be missed!! Heaven gained an angel.
  14. Guest: Pat Rasnic | INDIANAPOLIS, IN
    Date: December 13, 2016
    JoAnne was a wonderful person, and I have many fond memories of time spent with her! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
  15. Guest: Alan Bocock | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: December 12, 2016
    To the Connell Family sorry for your loss. The good old days at Carpenter Body Works...
  16. Guest: Kathy Jo (Green) Baker | League City, Texas
    Date: December 12, 2016
    A great lady from a great family. She was always such a fun person to be around, still remember her laugh from the ball field. Hugs to you all, and prayers of peace for your tender hearts.--- Kathy Jo and family
  17. Guest: Kris Mathews | Bedford, IN
    Date: December 12, 2016
    My heart breaks for each of you. JoAnne will be missed by many. She was a loyal friend and so much fun to be around. Surrounding you all with love.
  18. Guest: Christy Branaman Ron and Carol Neal | Bedford, IN
    Date: December 12, 2016
    Such a kind, compassionate and caring person, You will be missed! Christy Branaman Ron and Carol Neal
  19. Guest: Karin Dobson | Jacksonville, NC 28546
    Date: December 12, 2016
    Connell clan, When I saw Steve Burton note on facebook last night I was in shock to hear this about Jo anne..I just saw her in Sept.of this year...So sorry for everyone loss.Loved her to the moon and back...Karin Dobson
  20. Guest: Pauline & Gerry Lagle | Mitchell
    Date: December 12, 2016
    Gerry and Joann were classmates,they always had a lot to talk about when they crossed paths. I remember my last words with her ,she told me that her grandson was always reminding her to do her therapy Loved Her. Sorry Tammy for your loss.
  21. Guest: Julie Brassfield | Bedford, IN
    Date: December 12, 2016
    When I think of JoAnne I can only laugh and smile. She was such a force of nature and a loving spirit. She loved her family beyond measure and once you were her friend you were a friend for life. Godspeed dear friend!
  22. Guest: Hollie | Indiana
    Date: December 12, 2016
    I miss you, Chickapee, I love you more than words.
  23. Guest: Debby&Tony Dobson | Lebanon, Tn
    Date: December 12, 2016
    Tammy &Family, So Sorry for your loss. Jo Anne will be missed.She always stopped and talked to me,to see how I was doing.She always had a special place in my heart.Its hard to believe she is gone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.God Bless!