Jo Mitchell Obituary

JoAnn Mitchell, age 86, was admitted into heaven Friday October 3, 2025. She was born in Naper, Nebraska into a big family of 11 on November 26, 1938, to Eugene and Gladys (Anderson) Putnam.

JoAnn's mother passed away at the young age of 40. This left her help fill the roll of mother to her siblings. She waited tables to help send 2 of her sisters to college. JoAnn, herself, graduated from Naper High School and then went on to get her degree from Wayne State as a teacher. JoAnn taught in a country school North of Stuart, NE. Her students still say she was their favorite teacher.

While at a dance she happened to meet a young man named Larry Mitchell. She said he was a persistent fellow who finally won her heart. They were married and soon were joined by a baby boy, Todd, the next year a daughter Barb, and finally 7 years later a daughter Suz, who likes to say she was a whoops!

JoAnn's life was full raising her children, taking care of Larry's parents, Adrian & Eva. She could put out a spread of food within a moments notice. She raised a garden, when Larry didn't dust in with a dab of chemical left from a spraying job, butchered 100 chickens every year sharing with friends, neighbors, and family.

She loved to host holiday gatherings, making memories that were cherished until the end. She was also known for running a beauty shop, perming and cutting hair for many people.

JoAnn had a knack for making people laugh. She was always the life of the party! Her heart was always open for anyone in need. She will be greatly missed by her 2 daughters; Barb (Randy) Leu of Atkinson and Suzanne Mitchell of Stuart; 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren; and sister-in-law Darlene Putnam of Hastings, NE, Brother-in-law Denton Colfack of Atkinson; and Brother-in-law Bob Mitchell of Atkinson, NE.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Larry, son Todd, and all of her siblings.