Jo Ann Trice's Obituary
Jo Ann Trice passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 92.
She is survived by her children, Michael (Kathy) Hill and Allison Hill (Rain Van Den Berg); her grandchildren, Patrick, Ian, Evan, and Jamie; and her beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Trice; her parents, Arnold “Colonel” and Ozzie B. Ford; and her siblings, Judy Keene, Sharon Carty, and Russell Burks. Jo Ann remained close with her siblings throughout her life.
Born in 1933 in Sullivan, Indiana, Jo Ann earned her bachelor’s degree and teaching certification from Indiana State University. She was a proud member of the Chi Omega Sorority and held lifelong membership in Pi Omega Pi, a national honorary fraternity in business education.
Jo Ann had two children in her first marriage, Michael and Allison, whom she raised as a single parent while working as a secretary and benefits counselor at Marathon Oil Company. Later in life, she found her true partner in Frank Trice, and together they shared a joyful and adventurous chapter.
She had a deep love of travel and visited Europe multiple times, explored Alaska, and toured national parks with family and friends. Jo Ann was creative and had a keen eye for design. She enjoyed painting, sculpting, refinishing furniture, and crocheting. She also loved poetry, reading, and watching basketball—especially when Indiana teams were playing.
Jo Ann will be remembered for her playful sense of humor and her signature sweet tooth. When asked to choose a dessert, her answer was always “one of each, please” and she had a charming habit of “evening up the edges” in the dessert pan. She loved to shop, though mostly just to browse. A family favorite memory is her joking that when the time came, they could “just put her ashes in one of the big planter boxes at the mall.”
A lifelong dog lover, Jo Ann shared her home and heart with many beloved canine companions, including Zack, Heidi, and Jake.
She will be laid to rest in Center Ridge Cemetery in Sullivan, Indiana, alongside her husband, Frank. A private graveside service will be held by family in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Jo Ann’s favorite charity.
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