Jo Ann Brunson

Charlier Hospice Center with her family by her side. She was born on May 1, 1941, to Walter J. and Dorothy (Rogers) Dilbeck.

She graduated from F.J. Reitz High School in 1959 and was married to her high school sweetheart, Gary Brunson, for 53 years.

Jo Ann was a kind, caring, and compassionate wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. She always had a way of making everyone she came in contact with feel special. Jo Ann's enthusiasm, zest for life, and work ethic were quite evident in all aspects of her life. Jo Ann courageously fought her battle with ovarian cancer over the past five years with determination, grace, and strength that only the Lord could have given to her, she touched so many lives. As her family, it has been our honor and privilege to love and care for her through this journey.

She had many interests including interior decorating, cooking, reading, and her family. Over the years, Jo Ann was involved in Bible Study groups and Home Economics Club, along with other volunteer and community service activities.

Jo Ann worked for her father, Walter J. Dilbeck, in the 1960's as a secretary with Sunflower Corporation. She was a cosmetologist who owned and operated her in-home hair salon in the early 1970's. She also worked as an Account Executive for Geuss Beauty Supply, Russ Berry Plush & Gift Line, Store Manager and Account Executive Heil Beauty Supply, Expressions Custom Furniture, a Real Estate Agent for The Realty Group and F.C. Tucker/Emge Realtors. Most recently, she was an employee of both Great Harvest Bread Company and Deaconess Women's Hospital while battling cancer.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Walter J. and Dorothy Dilbeck; and sister, Carol (Dilbeck) Barker.

She is survived by her husband, Gary Brunson; daughters, Cheryl (Joe) Betz and Lori (Brian) Roberts; son, Kirk (Wendy) Brunson; sisters, Barbara (Frank) DeMuth of Evansville, IN and Jayne (David) Kell of Lake Balboa, CA; grandchildren, Courtney (Matt) Lehman, Bradley Roberts, Kiersten Helsley, Emily Brunson,Valerie Brunson, Lauren Roberts, Josh Betz, and Hayley Betz; and great-grandson, Jack Lehman.

Her husband and children would like to thank the many people who helped care for Jo Ann in her last days of life. Thank you to St. Mary's Medical Center and the doctors and nurses on the 5th & 6th floors, Dr. Mary Beiker, who was Jo Ann's family doctor, Dr. Anthony Kaiser of Evansville Surgical Associates, Dr. Anthony Stephens of the Oncology Hematology Associates, St. Mary's Home Health Care, and Julie Morgan, St. Mary's Medical Center Case Manager. In addition, thank you to West Park Rehabilitation Center and Charlier Hospice Center. They were angels sent from heaven.

Our sincere appreciation to all her extended family, friends and church family of West Side Christian Church who have supported and encouraged Jo Ann through her courageous journey. Her husband would like to thank his children who were very faithful in helping take care of their mother in her last days. Jo Ann is now home with Jesus rejoicing and feeling no pain!

Services will be 10:00 AM Friday, October 25, 2013, at Westside Christian Church, 1200 N. Red Bank Road, officiated by Pastor Gene Backes, with burial in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit Thursday from 2:00 to 8:00 PM at Alexander West Chapel and on Friday from 9:00 AM until service time at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to online to the M.D.Anderson Cancer Hospital in

Houston, TX by visiting [email protected], or to VNA Charlier Hospice Center, 610 E. Walnut Street, Evansville, IN 47713. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.

Alexander Memorial Park Burial Location; Section #2, Lot 68, Space 10