Jo Ann Utley

Jo Ann Utley, 87, of Evansville, IN passed away Saturday, September 21, 2024. She was born on October 4, 1936 in Cairo, KY to the late Charles Edward Whitledge and Catherine Doris (Eblen) Whitledge. Jo Ann graduated from Barret Manual Training High School in 1954. Jo Ann and Don were married on September 1, 1955 at Cairo United Methodist Church in Henderson County, KY. She received her Associates of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Evansville. Jo Ann was a loving wife and mother and when the children were older she went to work for Vanderburgh County, Indiana. She worked for various departments the Board of Public Works, Auditor's Office, was Secretary of the Vanderburgh County Council. She left there and worked a few years at Gerling Law Firm before retiring. Jo Ann enjoyed sailing, flying airplanes, and riding Gold Wing motorcycles with her husband. She was a lifelong Christian and an active member of Broadway United Methodist Church in Paducah, Ky and a member of St. James West in Evansville, IN. Jo Ann was a lifelong volunteer to many nonprofit organizations including Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Jo Ann enjoyed spending time her with grandsons teaching piano, cooking meals, and lifelong social skills. Jo Ann is survived by her children, Willow Newsome, Gregg Emerson Utley and his wife, Cathy; grandchildren, John R. Pardus and his wife, Karina, and James C. Pardus; great grandchildren, Shaunielle, Ryan, and Argene Pardus. She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Donald Utley. Visitation will be on Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Alexander West Chapel, 2100 W. Illinois Street, Evansville, IN and again on Friday, September 27, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until service time. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 27, 2024 at Alexander West Chapel officiated by Pastor Gene Backes followed by burial at Fernwood Cemetery in Henderson, KY. Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com