Donna Jo Crooks

Born June 9, 1949, in Covington, Kentucky, to the late Dr. Donald Keith Dudderar and late Geraldine Senour Dudderar. Jo was raised with her two siblings in Ft. Thomas, KY. She attended Highlands High School, where on top of being a proud Bluebird cheerleader, she fell in love with one of the halfbacks on the 1964 State Champ team and future husband, David Crooks. She was a proud alum of The University of Kentucky earning her education degree.

Jo and David married on June 3, 1972. They spent the first years of their marriage living around the country while David served as an Air Force pilot and Jo taught special education. They settled in Cadillac, Michigan with Jo staying home to raise and love their three children.

She was a passionate sports fan, including of course; attending incalculable youth, high school and college games, meets and matches played by her children. Jo never missed a game, with her cowbell in hand, and made her tailgates feel like home and welcomed to all.

Jo spread love, light, her warm charm and happiness to all. She made everything feel special which especially came through her cooking. As a home chef, Jo directed extensive thought in planning and executing her menus. Over many years rarely did she duplicate a menu for returned guests. She was selfless, graceful, joyful and a loving mother, sister and wife of 46 plus years.

She is survived by her husband, David, their sons Clayton (Carrie) and Ethan Crooks (Brittany) and daughter Hayne Crooks Cintron (James) as well as five grandchildren who will miss their “JoJo” very much. Also surviving is her sister, Kathy Lynn Dudderar Pope (Richard) and her many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her brother Douglas Senour Dudderar.

In the summer of 2019 there will be a celebration of Jo’s life at her beloved lake home in Traverse City, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Salvation Army and Wreaths Across America in her name are welcome.