Jo Anne “Jody” Vollrath, age 92, born to Pearl and Martin Pierpont of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 2, 2014 in Lansing following a 2012 move from Monroe.
According to her wishes, she will be cremated and interred in Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, IN next to her husband of 70 years who passed away in 2012.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church of Monroe, 108 Washington St, Monroe, MI 48161, with Rev. Jessica Myers officiating. A reception will follow.
She was married 72 years ago to Richard Vollrath, after her graduation from Indiana University at the age of 19 with a B.A. summa cum laude in history and honors including Phi Beta Kappa, Mortar Board, Tau Kappa Alpha, and coed sponsor for the Pershing Rifles Drill Team. Later she did graduate work in Educational Media and Library Science at the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.
Jody’s professional career included a gratifying elementary school teacher’s position and an Instructional Media Specialist all in the Flint Public Schools. Moving to Monroe in 1970, she became head of Media Production at the Monroe County Library System focused on Monroe’s historical heritage. Production of local history films included: Memories of Monroe Piers, The Centennial Celebration and Monroe in 1876, and The War of 1812: The Massacre at the River Raisin. She also authored: County and History of the Monroe Thrift Shop and A Legacy of Memories.
Jody was a very devoted mother, encouraging her three boys and daughter with their interests, education, and careers. She loved reading since a preteen and was a supporter of library resources. Jody also enjoyed golfing with her husband at home, as they traveled abroad, and during winters spent in Florida and California.
Jody is survived by her children: Dr. Richard Vollrath (Becky) of Sun City, FL; Col. (ret) Thomas Vollrath (Sheryl) of Jeffersonton, VA; Mark Vollrath (Karin) of Flemington, NJ, and Judy Neiberg (Dr. Alan) of Holt, MI. Subsequent generations include nine grandchildren (Charles, Tab, Scott, Tod, Brian, Shaun, John (deceased), Doogie, and Chelsea) and two great-grandchildren (Avery and Elizabeth).
“A special thank you to Michelle Christensen and Linda Kraai from Jody’s family.”
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Monroe Youth Group at the address listed above.
The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com.
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