Loretta Jo (“Jo” or “Jopey”) Erwin, 83, passed away on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Meadow View Health in Harrisonville following a lengthy illness. Jo was born August 24, 1939 in a farmhouse near Richards, MO to Ross and Alvaretta (Richmond) Rowland. She was married on August 24, 2001 in Nevada, MO to Bill Erwin, Sr. and he preceded her in death on October 6, 2020.
Jo spent most of her life in Vernon County. She graduated from Metz High School, where she played basketball, was a cheerleader, and was in the band. She worked as a pharmacist’s assistant at the Community Pharmacy in Nevada, and later at 3M until she retired in 1997 to care for her mother. Jo was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs going all the way back to the days of Len Dawson. She attended games at Arrowhead into her 70’s.
Jo is survived by her son, Paul Hood (Vanessa), Parkville, MO; eight stepchildren: Bill Erwin, Jr. (Janet), Nevada, Jim Erwin (Vickie), Richards, Saundra Wehmeyer, Nevada, Rick Erwin (Ronda), Nevada, Russ Erwin (Marian), Nevada, Sue Renwick (Patrick), Nevada, Sally Phipps (John), Waxahachie, TX, and Sherry Shaw, Nevada; 21 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Raymond Rowland, Nevada, and Ronald Rowland, Springfield, MO; a sister, Louise “Polly” Rowland, Nevada; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her husband Bill, she was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Charlene Jo Hood; two sisters, Loraine Deming, and Lois Reeder; and a niece, Carol Sue Casey.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2023 at Fasken Cemetery in Carthage, MO with Paul Hood officiating.
Memorials are suggested in her name to the donor’s choice c/o Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.