Jo Ann Edna Kellis

A celebration of Jo Ann’s life will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, October 26, 2017, at Ankeny Funeral Home, 1510 W. First Street – Ankeny. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Jo Ann Edna Bakken was born June 2, 1944, in Joice, Iowa to Joseph and Edna (Nyhus) Bakken. She grew up and received her education from Lake Mills High School, graduating in the class of 1962. Jo Ann made her career as a staffing supervisor for different health care providers including, Nurse Force, Kimberly Quality Care, and Wesley Acres. Jo Ann was a longtime resident of Ankeny where she raised her six children; Travis, Trevor, Troy, Todd, Shawn, and Ashley.

She enjoyed watching and participating in numerous sports such as, bowling, softball, basketball, football, and golf. She was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, and also treasured playing dominos, Yahtzee, Scrabble, and many card games with her children and grandchildren. Most of all, Jo Ann loved spending time with her children, watching her grandchildren’s activities, and being with her poodle, Gidget; who was her constant companion.

Jo Ann will be deeply missed by her children, Travis (Michelle) Ouverson, Trevor (Michelle) Ouverson, Troy Ouverson, Todd (Shelly) Ouverson, Shawn (Kaylee) Kellis, and Ashley (Michael) Harmon; sixteen grandchildren; and two sisters, Nancy (Craig Ellingson) Swenson and Jean (Sam) Pederson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Edna Bakken; brother, Ronald Bakken; and granddaughter, Jennifer Ouverson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the AHeinz 57 Pet Rescue for Jo Ann’s love of animals.