Loretta Jo Erwin

Loretta Jo (“Jo” or “Jopey”) Erwin, 83, passed away on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Meadow View Health, in Harrisonville, following a lengthy illness. Jo was born Aug. 24, 1939, in a farmhouse near Richards, Mo., to Ross and Alvaretta (Richmond) Rowland. She was married on Aug. 24, 2001, in Nevada, Mo., to Bill Erwin Sr. and he preceded her in death on Oct. 6, 2020.

Jo spent most of her life in Vernon County. She graduated from Metz High School, where she played basketball, was a cheerleader, and was in the band. She worked as a pharmacist’s assistant at the Community Pharmacy in Nevada, and later at 3M until she retired in 1997 to care for her mother. Jo was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs going all the way back to the days of Len Dawson. She attended games at Arrowhead into her 70s.

Jo is survived by her son, Paul Hood (Vanessa), Parkville, Mo.; eight stepchildren, Bill Erwin Jr. (Janet), Nevada, Jim Erwin (Vickie), Richards, Saundra Wehmeyer, Nevada, Rick Erwin (Ronda), Nevada, Russ Erwin (Marian), Nevada, Sue Renwick (Patrick), Nevada, Sally Phipps (John), Waxahachie, Texas, and Sherry Shaw, Nevada; 21 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Raymond Rowland, Nevada, and Ronald Rowland, Springfield, Mo.; a sister, Louise “Polly” Rowland, Nevada; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her husband Bill, she was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Charlene Jo Hood; two sisters, Loraine Deming, and Lois Reeder; and a niece, Carol Sue Casey.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, April 21, at Fasken Cemetery, in Carthage, Mo., with Paul Hood officiating.

Memorials are suggested in her name to the donor’s choice in care of Ferry Funeral Home, in Nevada.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.