JoEllen "Jo" Hall

JoEllen “Jo” (Ferns) Hall was born in Ottawa, Kansas in 1952 to Joseph “Joe” W. & Viola “Vi” Ruth (Wemmer) Ferns. Born on her father’s birthday, she was the youngest of three children. 

Jo attended elementary through senior high in Ottawa, graduating with the Class of 1970. During her time as a Cyclone she was involved with choir, art, leadership, and many different clubs. Her classmates have reminisced how she was “just the sweetest girl” and “so much fun to be around.” Sometime after high school she attended business school and made her way into the career-world. 

February 16th, 1975 Jo was united in marriage to James Byron Hall at First Baptist Church in Ottawa. Together they enjoyed almost 50 years. He survives of the home. 

JoEllen was preceded in death by her parents, her brother; Louis E. Ferns, granddaughter; Alexis Jo Woolsoncroft, grandson; John Louis Smith, and some beloved fur-babies. 

Survivors include daughter, Hailey Jo Smith and husband John of Ottawa; six grandchildren; Jacklyn Brock (Matt), Chris Freeman (Kylee), Chelsey Freeman, Tiffany Timmons (Ty), Matthew Woolsoncroft, and Isabell Woolsoncroft; eleven great-grandchildren; sister, Bonnie Ferns; a nephew, several nieces and cousins. 

Aside from being a homemaker while their daughter was young, Jo spent most of her career working for Franklin County Mental Health as an Intake Coordinator before retiring in 2018. She was also an instrumental part in Hope House, serving on the board for several years. 

Jo was a woman of fierce faith and compassion. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She loved her family, and her favorite days were spent with them. Jo was also very artistic and enjoyed crafting. She had a keen eye for decorating and loved expressing her creativity. She was a woman of beauty inside and out. JoEllen will truly be missed by all whom she leaves behind. 

Cremation is planned with Memorial Services being held 1:30pm., Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa. 

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