Ruby Jo Caskey

Known as Jo, she was born in Temple, Texas to Melvin and Myrtle Cooksey on June 23, 1935. The family moved to Austin, Texas when Jo was a young girl. She would spend her teenage years with her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. “Mickey” Shields. Jo would develop her love of sports with a group of lifelong friends, the Bailey Parkers. She graduated from Austin High School in 1952.

While attending the University of Texas at Austin, she would meet her husband, James Caskey. They married in August of 1956 and began a life of numerous adventures in the United States and the world. In 1968, they began a 25 year residency on the island of Kwajalein in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Jo would become active in the many sports the community offered including but not limited to softball, golf, volleyball, and bowling. She would also be active in the Protestant church, the women’s community organization, and was employed as a bookkeeper for the dining hall, a cashier for the island grocery store, and a pre-school teacher. Her hobbies included ceramics, sewing and Hawaiian quilting.

Returning to Austin in 1994, Jo continued to be active in church activities. With the arrival of her first grandchild, Jo became known as Tutu, Hawaiian for grandmother. As with her children, Tutu provided unconditional love to her grandchildren and younger family members.

She is survived by her husband, James Caskey of Austin; daughter, Jayne Mack (Brian) of Amarillo; son, Patrick Caskey (Janice) of Driftwood; grandchildren, Austin, Brian, Brooke and Hannah; her sister, Jenny Fluedinger (Jodie) of Cedar Park; and numerous nieces and nephews. Her kindness and graciousness will be greatly missed.

The Caskey family would like to express gratitude to the caregivers of Home Care Assistance, and Hospice Austin for their exceptional care and support to Jo and her family.

Following the graveside service, family and friends are invited to the home of Sharon and Tom Torrico, 4607 Secluded Hollow, to celebrate the life of Jo Caskey.