Jo Ann Smith

Our mom, Jo

Smith, Jo Ann

With her family by her side, our mom, Jo, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025 in North Branch, MN where she had resided since June 2024.She had previously lived with daughter, Shelly, in Lindstrom, MN. She was born on February 28, 1936 in Lincoln, NE to Fred and Flossie Dollison. She was welcomed home to the family farm in David City, NE by her siblings, Doris, Johnny, Myron, and Beth. 4-H became a huge part of her life. As a teen, Jo became a city girl when her folks moved to town. She met the love of her life during college in Chadron, NE. That love, Mike Smith, would soon become her husband. Mike’s journalism career took them across the country from Nebraska to California to Minnesota where they lived from 1967 to 1991. After retirement, they moved to Sun City, Arizona until moving back to Minnesota in 2012. As much as they loved Arizona, they were ready to be closer to family. With six children, (four living in MN ) they were ready to move ‘home.’ Jo was a stay at home mom who did one heck of a job. An excellent cook who made a ‘big breakfast’ before school, and hearty meals for dinner. In 1977 she took a position at the Coon Rapids Clinic which she kept until 1991. Jo quickly became a beloved member of the CRC family. She was known for her easy going nature, her laugh, and big hugs. She quickly developed a rapport with both patients and coworkers. People gravitated to her for chats about their day. For advice on just about anything. Jo was a proud 45 year member of Alanon Fellowship. She shared her strength, hope, and experience with anyone who asked. Though when it came to her kids…were we really asked!? Throughout our childhood, our mom became everyone’s mom. Of course, our dad was everyones’s dad. Which made our house the place to be. Many of our friends called her ‘mom.’ She was a great cook with tacos being a family favorite. We frequently set an extra plate for mom’s ‘other kids.’ Those kids would often stay overnight. Some ‘other kids’ were known to eat an entire box of cereal for breakfast. Jo established a life outside of being a mom. She joined North Star Women’s Club soon after arriving in MN. Bridge club followed for the ladies as well as for couples. She developed life-long friendships.They became her sisters. Kindred spirits. Many, many kindred spirits. Jo loved, reading, music, animals, board games, cards, traveling, time with family and friends, a glass of wine and a good margarita. Cinco de Mayo was a perfect day for mom to join our dad. Dining out was a favorite. Jax for lobster. Perkins for pancakes. KFC for drumsticks. Annual cabin trips with her ‘sister friends’ brought her much joy. Along with ‘what happens at the cabin stays at the cabin.’ Our mom was known as mom, Mama Jo, and Gramma Jo to many. Family dinners, music, reading, game night, cards, and traveling kept her busy. Animals held a special place in her heart. Dogs and cats were always members of her family. She was known for her rings, bling, and dangly earrings. Laughs and hugs were plentiful. Everyone loved a ‘Jo hug.’ Pay it forward with a hug. Her presence was a gift. She has our hearts now and forever. We want to give a heartfelt shout out to Encore Memory Care and St Croix Hospice. Our mom spent each day treated with dignity, respect, kindness, and compassion. She was preceded in death by her soulmate, Mike, her parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends and family. Her loving family includes her children Terry (Tammy), Kathy (Phil), Marty, Shelly, Tom, and Tim (Alex). Grandchildren Dustin, (Mehgan), Desiree, Nick,(Lindsey), Evan, (Erin), Kyle (Rhonda), Luke (Sarah) Allyson,(Brian) Cody, (Megan) Chelsey, Elli (Keith) Annie, (Joel) and Charlie. Great-grandkids Kaden, Blaine, Anabelle, Jayla, Jace, Adie, Waylon, Carson, Ripley, Landon, Brielle, Rylin, Avery, Leo, Amelia, Lucy, Leighton, Cameron, and Ruby. Please join us for Jo’s Celebration of Life on Monday August 11, 11am to 3pm with sharing memories at 1pm. Herbst Eatery & Farm Stand 779 Raymond Avenue St Paul, MN. On street parking available and not monitored. Your favorite summer attire is encouraged. Yes, shorts ok. Don’t forget your bling! Our mom was the invisible string which kept people connected. Friends became family. Our family grew on a regular basis. We encourage you to laugh, hug, and ’grow your family.’ Love, the Smith's