Jo Ann Van Note, 85, Vail, Arizona, passed away Thursday evening, August 26, 2021, at Brookdale North in Tuscon, Arizona. Jo Ann was born January 17, 1936, in Joplin, Missouri, the daughter of Elbert Lorenz Cassell and Geneva Winifred (Lawrence) Cassell. JoAnn was a graduate of Eastern High School and was also a long-time member of Beargrass Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where she was an Elder. She was a dedicated member of the Friendship Class. She was a 17-year-employee of the former Creative Alliance Ad Agency (now Scoppechio) as the agency’s in-house proofreader. JoAnn was a passionate college basketball fan and an avid reader.
She is survived by her brother, James (Judith) Cassell of Berwyn, Pennsylvania; her former husband, Peter Van Note, of Louisville; and four daughters: Patricia Anne (Chris) Rivers and Joan Britt, of Louisville; Kate Thayer (Bill) and Ellen Samuelsen (Rob), of Vail, Arizona; 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and several cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Louisville, Kentucky at a future date. Burial will be private. She will be laid to rest beside her parents, Elbert and Geneva Cassell in Stone Cemetery, Carthage, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum, 740 East Avenue, Baxter Springs, Kansas 66713.
Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
