Josephine "Jo" Hope Swartzendruber, 92, of Rocky Ford, CO, passed into eternity Wednesday morning, October 28th, at her home surrounded by her family.

Josephine was born in Kenmare, ND on October 14, 1928, a daughter of the late Stella (Sharp) and Joseph Lehman. When her parents were nearing the due date of their 7th child her father died unexpectedly from a farm related accident. Her mother and children moved to Michigan when she was 6 years old.

Jo's life was centered around her home, school and church activities. Her family attended church regularly. She enjoyed playing table games, putting puzzles together, coasting down snow covered hills and reading books including the Bible and memorizing many scriptures. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and was baptized in her early teens.

She graduated from high school in Michigan and college in Indiana where she met her husband Emery, they were married in 1952 and celebrated over 60 years of marriage when he passed away in 2013. She taught school in Indiana & Philadelphia before they moved to Rocky Ford in 1954, when her husband, Emery, took the Anesthetist position at the brand new Pioneer Memorial Hospital.

She is survived by: Son Dan, husband of Becky Swartzendruber, of Rocky Ford, CO; Daughter Carol, wife of John Yost, of Moundridge, KS; Daughter Elaine, wife of Steve Miller, of Rocky Ford, CO; Daughter Sue Swartzendruber, of Rocky Ford, CO; Sister Mary Handrich;

She is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Beth and David Swartzendruber, Amy Garard, Janette Larison, Grant Yost; 8 great - grandchildren; brother - in - law: Dan Slabaugh; many nieces and nephews.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Ernest of 60 years; 2 brothers: Revel & David Lehman; 3 sisters: Ruth Buller, Genevieve Buckwalter and Ethel Slabaugh and 2 grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 14th at Valley Community Church in Rocky Ford, CO with Pastor Kurt England officiating. There was a private family interment in Valley View Cemetery in Rocky Ford, CO.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford - Ustick Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.

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