Jo Ann Auer

Jo Ann Auer, 80 years old, of Wooster passed away from this life September 9, 2024 at Smithville-Western Nursing Home in Wooster, Ohio.

She was born in Ashland on November 16, 1943 to George H. and Josephine (nee Hettinger) Auer Sr.

Jo Ann graduated from Ashland College in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, and graduated from University of Akron in 1988 with another Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work. She continued her studies at Case Western Reserve University, Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, graduating with a master’s degree in science and social administration in 1992.

She taught business classes at several schools in Seneca and Wayne Counties. She worked for three years helping to set up an office for a small business in Wayne County. She was hired in 1979 to establish the Wooster Service Center (the first of its kind in the state) for the Salvation Army. This operation then became the official Wooster Salvation Army Corps in 1989.

Never married, she cared for her aging mother from 1984 to 1987 while administering work at the Salvation Army and attending classes in social work at Akron. She was fascinated with the introduction of computers and the possibilities they held. Her research paper for her master’s degree involved using computers in the medical field to reach those with diseases such as diabetes and helping them cope with their illness.

She was active in volunteering for various social service agencies and churches. Her hobbies included reading, becoming competent in the use of computers, and creating newsletters on the computer. She greatly enjoyed learning. She also loved and enjoyed watching her pet parakeets and cat, Ginger. She had a deep faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus and thoroughly enjoyed helping others.

She is survived by many nieces and in turn their children and the children after them. Sandra (Richard) Honaker, Sonnie (Fred) Bohnke, Stacie Sidle, Teri (Rufus) Ashby, Roberta (Jo) Bickerstaff, and her sister-in-law, Margaret (Peggy) Auer.

She is preceded in death by her parents, George Henry Auer, Sr. and Josephine (nee Hettinger) Auer; brothers, George H. Auer, Jr. and wife Vera; Robert Eugene Auer; John Sidle; and niece, Sharon Auer Swanson.

A private graveside service will be held in the Ashland Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.

Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.