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Jo Ann Lawrence, 88, passed away on September 19, 2023, at The Villa at Blue Ridge, Columbia, Mo. She was born on October 5, 1934, in Kinsley, Kan., to John William "Jack" and Agnes (Bartlett) Montgomery. On October 5, 1954, she married Howard Lawrence in Kinsley, Kan. He passed on June 19, 2007.

A former resident of Albert for over 60 years before moving to Columbia in 2015, Jo Ann spent her working years as an RN. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Albert, Kan., then the King Memorial United Methodist Church in Great Bend, Kan. Jo Ann had a servant heart and was dedicated to helping others both personally and professionally. She was an EMT with the Albert Fire Department, and always willing to help organize and work any church event, from soup suppers to soup kitchens. Jo Ann also enjoyed reading, gardening, canning, and sewing.

Survivors include two sons, Brent (Leanna) Lawrence of Columbia, Mo., and Bruce (Judy Demel) Lawrence of Great Bend, Kan.; a daughter, Shirley (Jon) Deege of Larned, Kan.; eight grandchildren, Justin Lawrence, Amanda Lawrence, Stefanie Perret, Coryell Deege, Camelle Wassenberg, Carley Martin, Ari Lawrence, and Nate Lawrence; three great-grandchildren, Kenny Steinborn, Zoie Steinborn and Jaradee Perret; an additional great-grandchild on the way; a sister, Norma (Leonard) Kelly of Auburn, Kan.; and a sister-in-law, Barbara Montgomery.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; a daughter, Sue Ann Lawrence; a brother, George Montgomery; and an infant sister.

Visitation will be held from noon to 8:00 p.m., Friday, September 22, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Pastor Mark Hornbaker presiding. Interment will follow at Albert Community Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to the Albert Fire Department or Sr. Aquinata Penka Nursing Scholarship Fund with Golden Belt Community Foundation, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.