Georgia Lou "Jo" Dale, 78, of Arkansas City, died Monday (February 2, 2009) at the Via Christi Medical Center - St. Francis Campus of Wichita. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday (February 7, 2009) at the First Assembly of God in Arkansas City. Pastor James Newman will officiate. Burial will follow in the Riverview Cemetery.
The family will greet friends at the funeral home Friday evening 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Then, on Saturday evening the family requests friends to come to the Alumni Grill beginning at 5:00 p.m.for another time of fellowship.
Jo was born April 14, 1930 in Sedan to Leslie and Thelma (McSpadden) Smith. She was reared and educated in Sedan. She worked as a clerk for many years for the Arkansas City Dillion’s Grocery Store and was the owner of Jo’s Pet Parlor. Jo was a longtime member of the First Assembly of God Church. She was an avid bowler and member of the Arkansas City Women’s Bowling Association. Known for her wit and kindness Jo knew no strangers only friends she hadn’t met yet. Her family and friends were always subject to her many "Jo-isms", words and phrases she used to delight, tease and teach.
Survivors include her children Jerry and his companion Stacy Suppes and her sons Jesse and Jared all of Hesston, Kansas, Beth and her husband Mickie Schmith of Arkansas City; a brother Loren "Buddy" Smith of Sedan; sister Myda "Mike" Sallee of Winfield; two grandchildren Michael Dale and Anthony Dale-Brown, plus many others that called her "Mamma Jo" or "Grandma Jo".
She was preceded in death by her parents, a son Jeff, a brother Frank Smith, and a sister Laura Olberding.
Memorials have been established with the Cowley County Humane Society or the Arkansas City Take Down Club, due to her great love of animals and sports. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.
Arrangements are being made through Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home of Arkansas City. Online condolences may be made at
www.rindt-erdman.com
