Jo Ruth Shirkey

Jo Ruth Shirkey, born on December 13, 1935, in Circleville, Ohio, passed away on Monday, September 19, 2011, at her home in Whitefish, Mont. She was the daughter of Harry and Mary Bartholomew. She is survived by her daughter, Jodi Shirkey, of Whitefish, Mont.; and her stepchildren, Wade Shirkey, of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Kathryn Leithead, of Lake Charles, La. Jo graduated from RJ Reynolds High School, Winston-Salem, N.C., and received her RN degree from Christ Hospital School of Nursing, Cincinnati, Ohio. After raising her family in Birmingham and Honolulu, Jo was able to fulfill her love of travel by starting another career as a flight attendant for TWA. She earned the distinction of Flight Attendant of the year. Retirement brought Jo to Roanoke where she lived for many years before joining her daughter in Whitefish. Jo was vivacious and a friend to everyone she met. She had tireless energy and loved fashion, animals, care-giving, cooking, and entertaining. Jo was happiest in the sunshine walking on a beach. Services are pending. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Ronald McDonald House, Roanoke. Arrangements entrusted to Austin Funeral Home. You are invited to go to www.austinfh.com to offer condolences and view Jo Ruth's tribute wall.