Jo Ellen Carver, 75, of Hiawatha, surrounded by family, died early Sunday morning, November 19, 2017, at the Hiawatha Community Hospital.

She was born June 14, 1942, at Wichita, one of three children born to the late Kenneth and Elizabeth Goodwin Bartley.  At a young age, her family moved to Hiawatha to live while her Dad served in World War II.  Jo grew up in Hiawatha where she attended schools, graduating Hiawatha High School with the class of 1960.  She later attended Gard Business College in St. Joseph.  She lived in Kansas City, Kansas a few years before returning to Hiawatha.  She worked nearly all of her working life, 43 years as a matter of fact, for Hiawatha Community Hospital, as the business office manager, a position she currently held.  

Jo’s hobbies included working, reading, and being an important part of her grandchildren’s life; KU Basketball, and COOKIES.  To say Jo liked to bake cookies, is a BIG UNDERSTATEMENT!  She was instrumental in starting “Parents without Partners” chapter in 1977, where she served as president elect.

She married Earl Carver, September 16, 1989, at Bethany Church of Christ in Hiawatha.  He survives.

Also surviving  is a son Kenneth “Beefy” Stephens (Dawn) of Hiawatha, step-son Roland Paul Grote of Hawley, PA; step-daughter Barbara Joan Carver of Topeka; a sister Carol Thiesing (James) of Mt. Pleasant, SC; a brother Jim Bartley (Leslie) of Horton; two grandchildren Althea Jo Jante (Colton),  Derek; and two step-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Jo’s life is planned for 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 22, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha.  Tony French will officiate.  Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Tuesday, where the family will meet with friends from 6 until 8 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Hiawatha Community Hospital, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com