Jo Anne Aschoff

Jo Anne was born on September 17, 1947, to Roy Holton and Florence (Kinney) Holton. Her parents divorced when she was very young and her grandparents stepped in to help the working mother with babysitting for many nights, weekends and summers. She became their "fourth child" and her uncle Gene Kinney's "younger sister". Her grandparents gave her needed family and love. In return Jo taught her grandparents to show their affection with hugs and kisses. Jo always had a quiet sense of humor and the ability to make lasting friendships. Her business career included working for several different banks in Sioux Falls. She married Steve Aschoff and their major common interest was the love of all animals. Steve and Jo were known for their family's Fourth of July picnics. When Steve was diagnosed with cancer, Jo retired to take care of him. Steve died 18 years ago and Jo Anne went to work for the school district and as a breakfast person at Best Western. Jo's mother, Florence moved in with Jo and they became close. After her mother died, her cousin, Gayle, filled this gap and Jo became Gayle's "oldest child". Gayle helped her through several major surgeries and illnesses. Jo summarized this period of her life by saying that she would be Gayle's ticket to heaven. When she entered the hospital for her last surgery, she said that she was ready to see her grandmother again. She died peacefully on June 11th. May her wish be fulfilled. No services will be held at this time.