Jo Ann Vankirk

Jo Ann (Hardman) VanKirk completed her earthly journey near midnight on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at CAMC General Hospital after an extended illness. She was the daughter of the late Fred and Eunice (Staats) Hardman of Ripley. She was a 1955 graduate of Ripley High School where she was the Co-Head majoretee among many other school and community activities. She was married to Fred VanKirk for 62 years and 57 days. She was the proud mother of Charles Mark VanKirk of Atlanta, GA. Jo Ann loved the WVU Mountaineers, doing crafts, being an immaculate homemaker, wife, and mother. She worked many years as a bank teller in Ripley, Morgantown, Seattle, and Sissonville until she became a stay at home mom. One of her proudest accomplishments was the receipt of her PHT certificate ( Putting Hubby Through) granted by the WVU Student Wifes Club. She is survived by her husband Fred, and son Mark, as well as, Mark’s longtime companion, Julie Montgomery; sister Sarah Witte of Parkersburg; favorite niece Basheba Kodroasky of Fernandina Beach, FL; nephew Greogory Witte of Arkansas; his two daughters Brittan and Billie of Yorkville, OH; aunt Mary Wientraub of Las Vegas, NV; sisters-in-law Betty Barth of Parkersburg and Eleanor VanKirk of Ravenswood. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews on the VanKirk side of the family. She also cherished her friendship with Carolyn Carmichael of Ripley. Jo Ann suffered many years of chronic pain after both knee replacements in 2008. The side effects of pain killers and later Parkinsons disease. She requested that donations be made to fight Parkinson’s Disease at the Parkinsons Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Miami, FL 33131, if anyone so wishes. She now rests in peace- no more pain, confusion, or suffering. The family wishes to thank her longtime primary care Dr. William Jeffrey, his nurse assistant Sarah Blankenship, and her in home caregivers, Lisa Miller, Betty Carter, Roberta Kelly, and Tina Stevens. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday, August 2nd at the Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley with Pastor Rick Perrine officiating. Visitation will be held from 12 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in the Ravenswood Cemetery. Online memories and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com.