Obituary of Jo Ausenbaugh

Graveside services for Jo Ann Lovelace Ausenbaugh were held at 3:00 pm Thursday, December 2, 2004, in the Abernathy Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Abell Funeral Home of Abernathy. She was born on October 16, 1947 in Lubbock, TX to Joe and Lois Ann Lovelace. She also is survived by younger brothers Gary and David and younger sister Dorinda (DJ) Myatt. Jo Ann attended Abernathy High School, graduating in 1966. She was actively involved as a cheerleader, football sweetheart, basketball player and an honor student. She graduated from Texas Tech University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She was both musically and artistically talented. Jo Ann taught in Maui, Hawaii for 7 years. She loved the students and friends made in Hawaii during those years. She taught in Denver, Colorado 13 years at Lansing Elementary School. She substitute taught during the 2003-2004 school years at several elementary schools, including Iowa Elementary School. She was an excellent teacher who was loved and respected by students, parents, staff members, administrators, and Board Members. DJ, Gary, and Jo Ann attended the Abernathy Reunion, July, 2004. She enjoyed seeing classmates and renewing friendships with many of the well loved local people. DJ, David and Jo Ann have enjoyed David and Annette's daughter, Holly. Jo Ann was a loyal Aunt to all nine nieces and three nephews in the family. Jo Ann and DJ are loving, dedicated and devoted sisters. There were 9 years, 1 day and 2 brothers between these sisters. Their children, David, Stacy, and Steven were close in age and all three enjoyed the visits to "Granddad and Granny Lois's". Jo Ann was a business Partner with David and DJ in the "Las Palapas" restaurants in San Antonio, Texas. Jo Ann had countless friends. She enjoyed the fun, fellowship, travels, and frolics of her Hawaiian friends and roommates. She also enjoyed the love, fun, sharing and Christian fellowship of her Denver Book Club. Jo Ann was a loyal, devoted and dedicated friend to many people from all walks of life. Jo Ann met Wendell Ausenbaugh in January, 1978 in Denver. They married October 31, 1978 in Denver. As they celebrated each year's anniversary, they would remind each other "Was it a trick or a treat?" She and Wendell have one son, David Lee who is 23 years old. He is a Senior attending Colorado State University. David will graduate in June, 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. He works at the First National Bank in Fort Collins, Colorado. Jo Ann and David have an exceptional Mother-Son relationship. They show sincere love, respect, trust and devotion to one another. Jo Ann and Wendell were honored by a surprise 25th Anniversary party hosted by their son, David. Many friends and relatives attended this fun event and it was a complete surprise to Jo Ann and Wendell. Jo Ann was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in March, 2001. She willingly and cheerfully took the second round of Chemo treatments. She was a blessing to others through out these treatments as she encouraged, teased, and offered friendship to each patient. Jo Ann continuously displayed faith, hope and optomisim through out the 2 year 8 month battle against cancer. She graciously walked each step of her illness with faith, trust in the Lord, and hope for the future. Her motto remained "I am acceptance waiting for a miracle". Jo Ann was much loved by her husband, son, sister, brother, relatives and countless friends. She will ALWAYS be remembered as the loving, caring, dedicated, unselfish Christian Lady who always thought of others rather than herself. The family suggests memorials be sent to Hospice of Metro Denver, 3399 S. Eagle Street, Aurora, CO 80014. Abell Funeral Home To view the online tribute for Jo Ann, Mem.com