Jo Ellen Gibson Montei

MONTEI Jo Ellen Gibson Montei, age 80, of Columbus, Monday, August 24, 2009 at her residence. Jo Ellen was born in Columbus, Oh. on October 5, 1928, the daughter of Inez (Hecox) and Edward Gibson and was baptized at Clinton Heights Lutheran Church. She earned her B.S. in Social Work from The Ohio State University, her M.S.W. in Social Work from Columbia University and was ACSW Certified. Jo Ellen worked for many years as a Child Welfare Caseworker and Supervisor for The Franklin County Children's Services and dedicated much of her life's work to helping children in foster care, adoption and protective services. She was the first intake worker for Franklin County Child Welfare Board and had worked for the Ohio Children's Society (former adoption agency). She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church. Her hobbies included SCUBA, reading and being an avid OSU fan. Jo Ellen was a lifetime volunteer in many organizations including her church, Christ Lutheran Church, Lutheran Social Services, Camp Fire U.S.A., Camp Wyandot, Capital University, Child Welfare League of America Regional, and began the Jo Ellen Gibson Montei Scholarship at Columbia University. Along with her parents, Jo Ellen is preceded in death by her husband of 37 years Tom Ross Montei, her sister and brother-in-law Marjorie and Lester Sherman, her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Betty and Robert Ramsey, and dear friend Midge Cantin. Jo Ellen is survived by her children, Todd (Deborah) Montei and Julia (Brian) Boyer; grandson, Aidan Ross Montei; nephews, David Sherman, Chris (Robin) Sherman, Bruce (Patti) Ramsey, Craig (Barbara) Ramsey and Ross (Rhonda) Ramsey; niece, Vicki Sherman; great-niece, Ashleigh Sherman; and great-nephews, Zachary Sherman, Wesley and Michael Ramsey; cousins, Jim and Barbara Hecox; and dear friends, Ruby Banks and Sue Marsh. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 28, 2009 at Christ Lutheran Church, 2314 E. Main St., Bexley, with Pastor Thomas A. Wolfe officiating. Friends may call 4-7 p.m. Thursday, August 27 at SCHOEDINGER STATE STREET CHAPEL, 229 East State St. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to Alzheimer's Association, 3380 Tremont Rd., Columbus, Oh. 43221 or Lutheran Social Service, 750 E. Broad St., Columbus, Oh. 43205. Online condolence may be sent by visiting www.schoedinger.com.