Jo Ann "Jody" Renwick

Friday, January 13, 2006

Jo Ann "Jody" Renwick, 73, recognized as one of Nevada's leading citizens, passed away Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006, at her home in Nevada, Mo. Jody was born Sept. 8, 1932, in Kansas City, Mo., to Jewell (Joe) M. Adams and Margaret Ella Gray Adams.

Jody graduated from Nevada High School in 1951, where she met Frederick W. Renwick Jr. After high school graduation Fred and Jody attended Fort Scott Community College, Fort Scott, Kan. They were married in Nevada on Feb. 23, 1952.

Jody was very active in local civic endeavors and was selected as Nevada's 1977 Citizen of the Year, based on her contributions to the community. She founded the local nonprofit organization, Vernon County Cancer Relief in 1987 and took great pride in its all volunteer staff. She was a charter member of the local Diana's Club and served on countless civic committees and boards including Shelter Workshop Board, Nevada Housing Authority, United Community Fund, American Cancer Society, the Nevada Planning Commission, and Nevada Area Economic Commission. She was the first chairwoman of Bushwhacker Days and in 1991 she served as chairwoman for the city's Comprehensive Plan Update.

Jody is survived by her husband, Fred of the home; two sons, Butch Renwick and his wife, Barbara, and Pat Renwick and his wife, Sue all of Nevada, also four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; one sister, Betty Easley, Nevada; one brother, Jim Adams, Nevada, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson, Bill Renwick.

Graveside services will be held at noon on Saturday, Jan. 14, at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Nevada, with John Nichols officiating. Arrangements are by Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, Mo. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the R William Renwick IV Scholarship Fund or Vernon County Cancer Relief in care of the funeral home.

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