Jo Ann Marilyn Allerdice

Jo Ann Marilyn Allerdice, 86, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at Addington Place with family by her side.

Jo Ann was born on September 5, 1936, to Anthony and Bertha (Kilburn) Peck near Packwood, IA. She married Robert “Bob” Fry on May 29, 1954, in Fairfield, IA and to this union they were blessed with five children: Becky, Connie, Diane, Greg, and Bobbette. Bob tragically died on November 26, 1960. By the grace of God, Jo Ann met James “Jim” Allerdice and they fell in love. Guy and Helen Fry gave Jo Ann their blessing to marry Jim and loved him like a son.  They were married on November 23, 1968, in Fairfield, IA.

Jo Ann was a homemaker. She painted and wallpapered for many years.  She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Fairfield Women’s Club and the Fairfield Garden Club.

Jo Ann loved her family dearly. She was very intentional about making family memories and traditions. Jo Ann loved taking her children on vacations, planning mystery trips with her grandchildren, and went above and beyond to make family gatherings and holidays special. She was known for her servant’s heart and hospitality. She loved to host tea parties, back-to-school parties, garden tours, and many meals for family and friends. She was also known to many as “Grandma Jo” (even to those who were not related to her) because of her kindness towards others. She enjoyed baking, cooking, ceramics, gardening, helping Jim on the farm, attending her children’s and grandchildren’s activities, and traveling with Jim. Jo Ann left a legacy of devotion to her family that they will strive to carry on.

Those left to honor her memory are her children: Becky Stagers of Bettendorf, IA, Connie (Chris) Baxter of Carthage, TN, Diane (John) Van Winkle of Fairfield, IA, Greg (Lori) Fry of Fairfield, IA, and Bobbette (Tim) Buch of Pella, IA; thirteen grandchildren: Amanda (Adam) Creighton, Allison (Coy) Martin, Stephanie (Joe) Dunn, Jenny (Steve) Baxter Swartz, Josh (Tracy) Van Winkle, Nathan (Michelle) Van Winkle, Amy Van Winkle, Danielle (Brady) Hill, Brittney (Matt) Tiller, Colton Fry, Dillon (Nikia) Fry, Tara (Jason) Braithwaite, and Ashley (Brandon) Johnson; twenty-four great-grandchildren; two siblings: Shirley Miller and Donna Kennedy; as well as many extended family and friends.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Anthony and Bertha Peck; her first husband, Bob Fry; her second husband, Jim Allerdice (2019); nine siblings, Louise Reed, Ethel Mineart, Lucille Rogers, Marcella Atwater, Clifford Peck, Francis Peck, Larry Peck, Harold Peck and Harley Peck; a stepdaughter, Salena Allerdice; a granddaughter, Lindsay Stagers; and a son-in-law, Jim Stagers.

The Behner Funeral Home of Fairfield is taking care of Jo Ann’s family. Visitation for family and friends will be from 2:00-4:00 p.m., Sunday, February 5 at St. Mary Catholic Church. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 6 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Fairfield, IA with Father Nick Adam officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield, IA. The family invites you to join them following the burial for a luncheon to share memories and fellowship. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.behnerfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Well or Conservation Foundation of Jefferson County. Cards may be sent to Diane Van Winkle, 1468 Pleasant Plain Rd, Fairfield, IA 52556.

A special thank you to Addington Place and Hospice Compassus for the loving care to Mom.