Jo Ann Warnke

Jo Ann Warnke, age 88, of Lewisburg, died June 18.  Jo was born in Alamosa, Colorado, February 25, 1932, to the late Benjamin and Blanche (Lutz) Hiday.  She grew up in Fortville and Milton, Indiana.  She earned a diploma in nursing from Ball State University.  She married Donald Warnke, the love of her life and her best friend; together, they owned and operated a grocery store in Lewisburg early in their lives.  Jo returned to nursing at Good Samaritan Hospital, where she worked for more than 25 years, most of that time in the intensive care unit.                

In both her personal life and professional life, Jo was committed to serving others, to being helpful, to being useful, and to moving forward despite obstacles.  She had grit.  She took extensive care of patients and of innumerable family members, friends, and community members.  She was a cornerstone for and she loved a diverse group of friends, many of whom thought of her as part of their families.  She supervised, taught, supported, and mentored many nurses in the intensive care unit at GSH.  She was among the founding volunteers of the Lewisburg Emergency Unit.  She was invited and volunteered as a member of the Mental Health Board of Preble County.  She attended the Lewisburg First United Church of Christ.                

Jo was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, daughter, and sister.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Warnke; and her siblings, Franklin Hiday and Genevieve Collins; and three great grandchildren.   Jo is loved and greatly missed by her daughters, Melanie Warnke and Melinda Warnke Schaar; her son-in-law, Ronald Schaar; granddaughters, Erin Schaar and Amy Schaar Harshbarger (Chase); great grandson, Cooper Joe Harshbarger; sister-in-law Mildred Hiday; nephew Dan Hiday and family; niece Jeanne Hiday Petty and family; and many friends.Family members wish to thank the many health care providers and friends who have cared for Jo during her illnesses.  

Funeral services will be arranged by Barnes Funeral Home, Lewisburg.  Due to the COVID virus pandemic, only family will attend the funeral proceedings officiated by Pastor David Justis on Tuesday, June 23 at 11.  The funeral will be available live on the Barnes Funeral Home Facebook Page Live during the service.  Interment will be at Roselawn Cemetery in Lewisburg.  Memorial contributions can be made to the Lewisburg Area Council of Churches Food Pantry, P.O. Box 103, Lewisburg, OH  45338.  Condolences can be sent via Guestbook at www.barnesfuneralhome.com