Jo Ann Rundell

Jo Ann Rundell, passed away peacefully in Springfield, MO, on December 20, 2025 at the age of 55, surrounded by her family, hymns playing, singing, scripture reading, and love. She will be deeply missed and remembered for her selflessness, faith, and kindness. She made such a positive difference in so many lives over the years.

Jo Ann was born on June 14, 1970 in Davenport, IA, the daughter of Elmer & Nancy Justus. Jo Ann moved with her family from Davenport to Ventura County, CA, at the age of 7. She was a proud graduate of Ventura High School, where she participated in band, playing woodwinds, flute, and piccolo. She was also on the flag & rifle drill team.

Post high school, during her first marriage, she cherished her role as a mother with the birth of her son Donovan. Also, during her young years, she was very active as a member, and served in various leadership positions with the Jaycees in California. Jo Ann received multiple awards and recognition for her enduring contributions.

She also embarked on her professional path dedicating nearly 20 years at The Arc of Ventura County in Ventura, CA, impacting the lives of many developmentally disabled adults. While at The Arc, she got her start in the field of Human Resources. Later, in Sisters, OR, Jo Ann continued to make a difference, coordinating a winter shelter for the homeless and managing the Sno Cap Drive-In. A move to Reeds Spring in December of 2022 saw Jo Ann take on the role of Human Resources Assistant for Developmental Connections in Branson, again providing services for developmentally disabled adults. She also enjoyed her work in Branson's tourism industry at the Pierce Arrow Theater gift shop, Reza Live gift shop, and at Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park in various positions, where she developed many new friendships.

Jo Ann's passions for caring for others were not confined to her professional life. She met her beloved husband, Phillip, at a summer camp planning meeting for Whitney Hope's Summer camp for children with disabilities, where she selflessly served, highlighting her lifetime commitment to helping those in need.

Phillip and Jo Ann had many adventures together over their 22 years of marriage. They loved to travel, including cruises and road trips across the country. They loved being baseball & football fans, and enjoyed being at the games with all the food and hoopla. So many great memories to cherish.

It was in her quiet nature that Jo Ann's strength bloomed. While known to be an introvert, she thrived when there was work to be done, engaging with people and serving others. Her deep faith was evident in her church ministry involvement. At her church in California, she served on the technical team, and her tender care and teaching for special needs children through her service at Woodland Hills Family Church in Branson will long be remembered.

She will be forever remembered in the hearts of all who had the honor of knowing her. She is survived by her husband, Phillip Rundell of Reeds Spring; her son, Donovan Downey (Sophie) of Simi Valley, CA and the anticipated birth of her granddaughter in 2026; step-children, Kelly Rundell of Gresham, OR and Scott Rundell (Tiana) of Rhododendron, OR and their children, Aden, Addi and Austin; and her adopted daughter, Jasmin Doner (Brandon) and their daughter Sakura of New Mexico; her parents, Elmer & Nancy Justus of Davenport, IA; and siblings Eugene, Debbie, Laurie, Donna, Marie, and Elmer Jr.; aunts, uncles, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one brother, Wayne.

A celebration of Jo Ann's life will be held at Woodland Hills Family Church on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. with interment following in Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, Branson.