Josephine Ohl Reynolds

The youngest of nine children, Jo was born on September 3, 1918, to Pauline and Joseph LaRocca in Evansville, Indiana. She graduated from Central High School in 1937. In 1939 Jo married Harold Ohl and they had one daughter, Constance. Harold, then an Evansville Police Detective Sergeant, passed away in 1962. Jo went to work at SIGECO where she stayed until her retirement. On December 16, 1973, Jo married James T. Reynolds, also an employee of SIGECO. After 65 years in Evansville, Jo and Jim retired to a home on Lake Barkley, Kentucky, where they enjoyed all that life had to offer. As in Evansville, they continued to be active in Masonic organizations and the United Methodist Church. They moved to Hopkinsville, KY in 1996 and remained there until Jim’s death in 2016. At age 98 and newly widowed, Jo moved to Lexington, KY and then Louisville, KY to be closer to family. Since November, 2018, Jo was a resident of StoryPoint in Prospect, KY.

Harold and his parents, Rose and John Ohl, were active in the Masonic lodges and the Shrine. Jo followed the tradition in 1945 and became a lifelong and very active member of the Eastern Star. James was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Shrine. Jo held several offices including Worthy Matron of 555 in Evansville and also of her chapter in Kentucky. “Mom Ohl” served, too, as Mother Advisor for 10 years with the Rainbow Girls.

Affectionately known as “Grand Jo” by her family, she was 104 years young. It was difficult to convince those who met her of her true age. In her later years, many friends were 20 years younger than she as her peers could not keep up. Until their mid-90s, Jo and Jim were avid travelers, including trips to Alaska and Hawaii and frequent outings to the River Boat casinos. Jo was known to keep her slot machine winnings in her freezer. She had a deep love of Kentucky (UK) basketball. Jo watched every game she could and upon moving to Lexington was thrilled to go to her first UK game with Susan and Megan in 2017. She also faithfully followed University of Evansville basketball. Dining out, being with family, weekly bingo games and trying new things – including Happy Hour at StoryPoint and Kentucky bourbon – all gave her great pleasure.

Survivors include her daughter Connie Maines (Bill) of Lake Forest, Illinois; two granddaughters, Susan Maines of Louisville, KY and Kathleen Maines of Lake Bluff, IL; one great-granddaughter, Megan Maines of Louisville, KY; and several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her parents; two husbands, Harold Ohl and James Reynolds; her eight brothers and sisters; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at Noon on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at Alexander Funeral Home, 2115 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, Indiana and will include an Eastern Star Memorial Service. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery where Jo will be laid to rest beside Harold and Jim. Friends may visit from 10:30 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. It is with a heavy heart, but with happiness for the long, healthy, and lively life she had, that we say good-bye.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Memory of Josephine Reynolds can be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children and should be sent to 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607. Special thanks to StoryPoint Prospect for taking such good care of Grand Jo these last 4 years and for helping Jo to spend her last few days in her own home surrounded by those who loved her.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.