Born on February 26, 1940, in Blacklick, Ohio, to the late Myrtle and Burl Gibson, Jo Ellen grew up in a large family of eight children.
On May 11, 1956, Jo Ellen married Donald L. Partlow. Together, they shared 28 years of marriage and raised their five children. In December 1985, she married Charles Freeman, with whom she shared nine wonderful years until his passing in 1995.
Jo Ellen worked for many years in the food service department for Gahanna City Schools. Above all else, Jo Ellen loved her family fiercely. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, creating memories that will be cherished for generations. She also held a deep compassion and lifelong love for animals.
She is survived by her five children, Deborah (Bruce) Sauer; Jo Linhart; Don (Ronda) Partlow Jr.; Margie (Rick) LaFollette; and Rita (Jack) Evans; her sister, Violet Fortenberry; and her special niece, Brenda Moore. Her legacy continues through her 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, all of whom brought immense pride to her heart.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Myrtle and Burl Gibson; her husband, Charles Freeman, and six of her siblings.
A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the Schoedinger Northeast Chapel, 1051 E. Johnstown Road, Gahanna, where friends may call prior to the service from 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.
Those who wish may contribute to the Alzheimer’s Association – Central Ohio Chapter at https://www.alz.org/centralohio; or by mail to 5200 Upper Metro Place, Suite 170, Dublin, OH 43017, in her memory.
