Jo Ella DeForest

Jo DeForest, age 84, of Ankeny, Iowa, formerly of Winterset, Iowa, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, at her residence.

Jo was born on April 4, 1941, in Tipton, Iowa, the daughter of C. Grant and Selma (Kellerhals) Albaugh. She attended Tipton Community Schools through the tenth grade and later demonstrated her lifelong determination by earning her GED in 1980—one of her proudest accomplishments.

Throughout her working life, Jo was known for her strong work ethic and versatility. She was employed as a receptionist for the Winterset Dental Associates, a sales clerk at Village Bootery, a bank teller for Farmers and Merchants State Bank, and a clerk at the DMACC Bookstore. She was also a business owner, operating Wrap Session, a company that produced custom hospital kits.

Jo was united in marriage to James Edward DeForest on December 27, 1956, in Stanwood, Iowa. The couple lived in Tipton until James’s work brought them to Winterset in 1967. They made Winterset their home for many years before relocating in 2010 to various communities within the Des Moines metro area.

Family was at the heart of Jo’s life. She cherished attending family gatherings and spending time with her loved ones. Her hobbies and interests included reading, bowling, canoeing, motorcycling, camping, and lovingly caring for her cat, Mickey. Jo was a member of the Winterset Jaycees and was especially proud of courageously beating cancer—not once, but twice.

Jo is survived by her children: James DeForest of Des Moines; Jan (Sharon) DeForest of Ankeny; Jeff (Debbie) DeForest of Waukee; and Joan DeForest of Ankeny. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Robin (Brian) Saunders-Jack, Brian Saunders, Trevor (Kristin) DeForest, Brent (Haley) DeForest, Leah (Brad) Eilers, and Andrew (Ashley) King; great-grandchildren: Cody (Kami) and Jordan Jack, Zoe Saunders, Anastasia, Conner, Brayden, Grayson, and Kinsley DeForest, Kristine, Lyla, and Ava Eilers, and Henry and Paulette King; as well as one great-great-grandchild on the way. She is further survived by her sister, Mary Albaugh of Lugoff, South Carolina, along with many extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James DeForest; her brothers: Grant Armstrong, Ernie Albaugh, and Larry Albaugh; and her sisters: Rose Bailey and Teddy Albaugh.

A public visitation and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Winterset, Iowa. Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Winterset Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Animal Lifeline of Iowa, 4521 SE 14th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50320, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1415 28th Street, Suite 430, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff and residents of Rock Creek Senior Living for the care, love, and sense of community provided over the past five years, as well as to St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate guidance and support during Jo’s final three months.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com