of Mountain Home, AR
June 10, 1941 - March 12, 2024
Jo Anne Cushing, 82, of Mountain Home, Arkansas passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 11 am at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. A private interment service will be held in Hastings, Nebraska at a later time.
Jo Anne was born on June 10, 1941 in Farmington, ME, the oldest child of Albert and Anna (Koch) Carr. She graduated from Brunswick High School in 1959 and enrolled in the Maine Medical School of Nursing. During her time in school, she served as Class Treasurer and met her future sister-in-law, Nancy (Whitney) Carr. Upon graduating in 1962 as a R.N., Jo Anne began her nursing career at the Maine Medical Center, was then employed by Parkview Hospital in Brunswick and spent a summer working at Lakeland Hospital, in Lakeland, FL and traveling throughout the state.
After meeting and marrying the love of her life, Steve Cushing, in 1964, they moved to his hometown of Hastings, Nebraska to begin their life together. Jo Anne continued her nursing career at the Hastings Regional Center where she held positions of Building Supervisor for more than 20 years, Nurse Manager for seven years and Educational Services Instructor for the final six years, prior to her retirement in 2000. She was also a member of the Nebraska Nurse's Association for many years.
Jo and Steve had two sons, Donald and David and she supported them in the classroom and cheered them on from the sidelines during their many sporting events. She was a member of the YMCA Aquatic Club and enjoyed family time camping, boating, fishing and traveling.
Upon retirement, they moved to Mountain Home, AR where they became active in the St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. Jo Anne was a member of the Stitcher's club, volunteered at the Mountain Home Citizens Police Academy and was dedicated to supporting others through the Compassionate Friends organization. Her favorite part of retirement was that of being Grandma to Erin and Megan and grand dog, Phineas.
Jo Anne is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Steve, of the home. She is also survived by her son, Don (Chris), of Lawrence, KS: granddaughters, Erin of St. Louis, MO and Megan of Lawrence, KS; brother, Jon and wife, Nancy Carr of Spring Hill, FL; sister, Jeannie (Dick) Powers of Brunswick, ME; along with seven nephews, Terry and Randy Downs, Jon Eric, Michael, Brian and Greg Carr and Rick Powers and their families.
Jo Anne was preceded in death by her son, David, sister-in-law, Kay Cushing and parents, Albert and Anna Carr. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.
Steve and Don,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of JoAnne. I have such wonderful memories of her. We all had lots of good time together throughout the years. I know she will be deeply missed. Blessings to you both.
Libby Connor
Steve and family, So sorry to learn of Jo Anne's passing. You and your family were some of the best folks I met. Steve, glad to know you are still around. Craig and Lela Fidler
Steve so sorry to read of the passing of your wife.
You r in my thoughts.
Kathy Parsons
Steve and family, I was so saddened to hear of Jo's passing. I've thought of you guys often throughout the years and all of the fun we had camping and boating together. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Steve and family,
So sorry to hear of JoAnne death. She was a wonderful person and I know she will be greatly missed by your family.
I’m sending your family prayers and my deepest sympathy.
Darlene Ackerman
Rest well, Jo Anne.