JoAnn Comstock

JoAnn Ruth Comstock, 77, died Tuesday, May 23, 2017. A service of remembrance was held Friday, May 26 at First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson, Iowa with Rev. Gordon Moen officiating. The congregation sang “Blessed Assurance” and “Softly and Tenderly” accompanied by Keri Brooker. Honorary bearers were Jeff McCoy, Matt Swaim, Jo’s Coffee Friends, Dee Sandage, Judy Larson, Linda Emery, Marian Selene, Linda Walker, Nancy Gliem, Karen Hart, Harriet Lenarz, Kay Bates and Sarah Kilbourn. Casket bearers were Todd McCoy, Bob Schwieger, Tim McCoy, Les Fister and Dave Walker. Interment was at Jefferson Cemetery in Jefferson.

JoAnn Ruth Swaim Comstock was born August 27, 1939, to Joyce and Nelda Swaim in Jefferson, Iowa. She attended school in Churdan and graduated from high school in May, 1957. She would have celebrated her 60th class reunion on June 10th of this year. She attended Iowa State Teachers College (now UNI) in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

On May 26, 1962, she married Ronald Comstock at the original First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson. In 1966 she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Drake University. In 1977 she earned her Masters of Arts at North East Missouri State University. During this time, she was named Outstanding Young Educator. Jo taught elementary education, mostly first grade, for a total of 37 years.

Jo and Ron had no children of their own. She was loved by many students of her years of teaching. She also “adopted” and loved her nieces and nephews, having each one for a week every summer and catering to their every whim. Later, she doted on her grand nieces, loving and spoiling them even more - and they absolutely adored her!

Jo had a wonderful, bright smile. She was a kind and loving soul to all. She had a deep faith, after giving her life to Christ at the age of 12 after watching a Billy Graham crusade on television.

During her life, Jo was very involved in organizations, including National Education Association, P.E.O., BPO Does, Friends of the Public Library, Greene County Hospital Auxiliary and Page Turner’s Book Club.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ronald; her sister, Jean Schwieger; and a nephew, Brett McCoy.

She is survived by her brother, Chuck (Brenda) Swaim of Ames, Iowa; sister, Karen (Steve) McCoy of Jefferson; nieces and nephews; many friends; and her special Schnauzer, Doody, who will be adopted by Karen and Steve.

Services were arranged by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson.