Jo Ann Keller Fox

Jo Ann Keller Fox
1920 – 2022

Jo Ann Keller Fox passed away May 22, 2022, in Olathe, KS, at the age of 102. She was born February 16, 1920, in Indianapolis, IN, to Charles Edwin Keller and Elsie Maude (Rizer) Keller. She grew up with her two older sisters, Janette and Lucille. In the midst of WW II Jo Ann met a young soldier, Marvin J. Fox, on a blind date, and they were married in January of 1943.

Jo Ann lived the first 84 years of her life in Indianapolis where she graduated from Shortridge High School in 1937. After attending Butler University for two years where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, Jo Ann graduated from Indiana University School of Nursing in 1943 as an RN. In 1962 she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from IU followed by graduate work in nursing administration at IU 1975-1978.

Jo Ann worked with great enthusiasm and pride in her nursing profession for many years. She worked as a school nurse for 12 years at a private kindergarten and then at Noble School. In 1962 Jo Ann began working for Marion County Public Health, and two years later she became a nursing supervisor. Public health nursing was always her passion. She served on numerous Boards and Commissions during her career. In 1983 Jo Ann was selected as the Nurse of the Year by the Indiana League of Nursing. She was a member of many professional organizations as well as Northwood Christian Church, Indianapolis, IN, and St. Andrews Christian Church, Olathe, KS.

Following retirement in 1984, Jo Ann enjoyed traveling, symphony concerts, bridge games and volunteering. She was a dedicated volunteer in many organizations including Indianapolis Museum of Art, Information and Referral Network, Central Indiana Council on Aging, Northwood Christian Church and American Red Cross. After the death of Marvin, her husband of 59 years, she moved to Olathe, KS, in 2004 to live closer to family members.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Elsie, her sisters Janette Hughes and Lucille Ehrhart, and her husband Marvin J. Fox. She is survived by her daughter, Marci Fox Bloom (John, deceased), Overland Park, KS, two granddaughters Mindy Schwartzkopf (Jeff), Shawnee, KS, and Erin Dorrel (Adam), Edmond, OK, five great-grandchildren Jake, Charlie, Katie, Samantha and Allie, three nieces and two nephews. Jo Ann was so pleased to add to her family in her later years when she welcomed four step-grandchildren, Terri Guthrie, John Bloom, Jr., Michael Bloom and Richard Bloom, and seven step-great-grandchildren.

The family is so appreciative of the kindness and care Jo Ann received for many years from the staff at Aberdeen Village. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund at Aberdeen Village, 17500 W. 119th St., Olathe, KS, 66061.

Jo Ann was a kind, gracious, caring woman who was loved by so many people whose lives she touched. She will be missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at Washington Park North Cemetery in The Great Hall Chapel, 2702 Kessler Boulevard West, Indianapolis.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service in the chapel.  Online condolences may be shared by visiting flannerbuchanan.com.  Arrangements were entrusted to Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park North.