Mrs. Jo Wilbanks

August 27, 1921 - January 8, 2017

Margaret Elizabeth "Jo" Wilbanks went to her heavenly home Sunday, January 8, 2017 while at Willow Care Nursing Home due to natural causes. Born August 27, 1921 to James and Kate ( Austin ) Lovan in Willow Springs , MO ; she was 95 years old. Jo (as she was known) became a Christian at the age of 12 and later was active in the Beginner Department and church choir at the First Baptist Church in Willow Springs. Jo attended and graduated from Willow Springs High School , Class of 1939, then went on to attend one year at Teachers' College in Springfield , MO. In 1942, she married William F. Fisk and to this union three children were born: William, Theresa, and Robert. In 1962, she was married to Ira W. Wilbanks and was blessed with two step-daughters, Kay and Pam. She and Ira owned and operated the Willow Springs News until their retirement in 1983. Jo had many interests in life. She had a great love for her family, her church, and loved to visit with friends. When she was younger, she greatly enjoyed dancing and playing tennis. Her primary interest was mentoring her grandchildren, playing the piano for Sunday School, and she also loved to read and work puzzles. Jo was very faithful to call every member of her family on their birthday. Jo is preceded in death by her husband, Ira; her parents, ten siblings, and her step-daughter, Pam. She is survived by one step-daughter, Kay Holloway and her husband, Gary of Hollister, MO; her son, William and his wife, Linda of Pensacola, FL; Theresa (Terry) Young and her husband, Mike of Willow Springs; and her son, Robert and his wife, Candace of Springfield. She is further survived by twelve grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Jo will be greatly missed by her family, as well as all who knew her. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Willow Springs Scholarship Fund; First Baptist Church of Willow Springs; or to the Willow Springs Public Library and may be left at the funeral home. A family night/visitation for Jo will be held Wednesday, January 11, from 6pm--8pm at the Willow Funeral Home. Funeral Services will follow on Thursday, January 12th at 11 am at the First Baptist Church in Willow Springs with interment at the Willow Springs City Cemetery . Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home. On-line condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com