Jo Ellen Preston Donnelly

Jo Ellen Donnelly Preston was born March 15, 1943 to Thomas Lawrence Donnelly Jr.  and Ella Mary Johnson Donnelly of Slater, Missouri. After graduating from Slater High School, Jo trained as an LPN. She was a skilled and caring nurse and worked at the Medical Center of  Independence.

Jo returned to school and completed her education then worked the remainder of her 37 year career as an RN until she retired from Centerpoint Medical Center. Jo and Bruce Preston met and were married for 35 years until his passingin October 2017. Jo enjoyed the West Coast Swing and was always singing while sewing, crocheting and quilting. She loved to read , go to the movies, and play with her great grandsons, Landon and Gunner Bailey.

Jo departed this life on February 9, 2023 from the St. Lukes Hospice House with her daughter Piper Bailey at the beside.

Jo was proceded in death by her parents, Tom and Ella Donnelly Jr, both brothers, Robert Donnelly and Thomas Lawrence Donnelly III , and Her husband, Bruce Preston. Jo Leaves behind her sister, Patricia Kay Cott, her sister in law, Dee Oster, her daughter Ellen Michelle " Shelli" Smee, her Granddaughter, Piper Leigh Bailey. Nephews: Tim Cott, Mike Donnelly, Christian Donnelly, Glen Donnelly, Matt Donnelly and Tommy Donnelly. Nieces: Tish Grondin, Nicole Donnelly, and Chi Chi Donnelly, her cousins and many great friends to cherish her memory.

Private Disposition