Obituary for JO ANNE ROWE

Jo Anne Rowe, 78, passed away August 31, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on October 13, 1942, the daughter of Arvid and Helen Gates.

Jo retired from Blue Cross after 30 years of dedicated service. In retirement, she went to work for EDS.

An avid reader, Jo spent many hours lounging in her swing with a good book and cold glass of iced tea. If she wasn’t reading, she could be found shopping at Younkers or Helzberg’s.

Jo is survived by her children, Jill (Bill) Laidlaw, Bill (Tammy) Kyle, and Deb (Ken) Saul; grandchildren: Bailey, Alexis, Shelby, Tawny (Aaron), Breanna, Darrick, and Mikaila; great-grandchildren: Chance, Elliana, Mavrick, Millie, and Paisleigh. She is also survived by her siblings, Rick (Alene) Gates and Roberta Ickowitz; nephew, Richard (Anne) Bainter; brother-in-law, Ralph (Judy) Rowe; as well as other loving family and many special friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence; and her siblings, Ted, Junior, and Norma.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave. in Des Moines with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home Tuesday evening from 5-7 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League or the Alzheimer’s Association in loving memory of Jo.