Jo Ita Galloway Milton

Jo Ita, Mom, Nana, Nana Jo was a warm-hearted and beloved woman who would make certain that those around her were never in need. She loved giving to others and would always put the needs of others before her own. Her kindness and compassion radiated warmth to those around her and was felt not only by her family, friends, and church family, but also by the doctors and nurses who cared for her. She was what many would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated by her care for others. Jo Ita was born on October 20, 1931, in Edinburg, Texas, and was the daughter of William H. Galloway and Eva J. Robinson.

She was the youngest in the family with three siblings – brother Henry Carl (HC) Galloway, and sisters Cathryn and Eva Ruth. Since her father was a schoolteacher, the family lived in many parts of Texas and Oklahoma before settling in Joplin, MO. She loved visiting her sisters in Texas and would sometimes begin to speak with a slight southern “drawl” after being with them for a few days. And she enjoyed the famous Whataburger long before Mahomes was born!

Jo Ita graduated from Joplin High School in 1949. While there, she enjoyed cheerleading and playing the drums in the high school band and orchestra. It was in high school where she met Paul T. Milton (Tommy) on a blind date and after a few years of dating became his adored wife on May 18, 1952. Six years later, she and Tommy had their only child, Sherri. The family started to grow when Sherri married Richard, who had three children – Shelli (Fred), Julie (Mark) and Bobby (Joan). The family continued to grow as children were born, and Jo Ita was proud of them all. She was “Nana Jo” to Ryan, Reed, Rowan, Will, Jack, Elizabeth, and Mable. Sherri and Richard have one child together, Amy Jo (Caleb). Amy Jo considers her “Nana” to be her second mother, and Nana was her first best friend. Their son, Miles, and Nana Jo had a special greeting each time they got together, which included a high-five, fist-bump, peace sign and thumbs up.

Nana Jo recently started introducing Miles to her love of NASCAR and cherished the regular visits from Amy Jo and Miles. In retirement, Jo Ita found pleasure in meeting friends for lunch, working in the church, singing in the choir, bird watching, travelling, and spending precious time with family. She continued to be active in the community and was fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her. In her spare time, she cherished reading, taking care of her flowers, painting, and working crossword puzzles.

She thoroughly enjoyed watching NASCAR and was an avid fan of the Chiefs and Royals. Jo Ita looked forward to getting together with family for the holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. Large family gatherings were very special to her. Growing up in a large family, she attended many cousin’s reunions as a child, and ten years ago she started a new Galloway Cousin’s Reunion, allowing her to reconnect with her nieces and nephews. She looked forward to this special event every year.

Jo Ita was appreciated and respected, far more than she realized. She found value in the opinions of others and was passionate about her own values and beliefs. Religion and faith were extremely important to her. Her involvement in Terrace Lake UMC began in the parsonage basement and continued for 63 years. Jo Ita and Tommy are charter members of the church, and she worked on numerous committees and assumed many responsibilities over the years. The stained-glass windows, the elevator, the memorials throughout the church, and the weekly prayer list are just a few examples of her involvement and passion for her church. She took pride in decorating the church altar over the last few years and always wanted to know who was in church each week, so she could pray for them, even though she was unable to attend.

Jo Ita passed away on the evening of September 2, 2022, while holding the hand of the Love of her Life and husband of 70 years, Tommy. Family and friends will remember Jo Ita as an understanding, kind and compassionate woman with a beautiful smile who LOVED to give hugs!

“There are some who bring a light so great into the world, that even after

they are gone, the light remains.”