Jo Ellen Rea

Beloved daughter, sister, and friend. Jo Ellen Rea (Josie) was born January 28, 1956 in Columbus, Ohio. Josie passed on October 8, 2023 and will be welcomed into heaven above. She grew up in Harrisburg, Ohio and attended elementary school there. Josie graduated from Grove City High School in 1974.

She graduated from Columbus Technical Institute in 1976 and then worked at C.T.I. in student Services and Public Relations. This is where she met her lifetime best friend, Marty Nesser. Marty loved Josie to the end. Josie went on to work for a physician at OSU, then on to the athletic department under Coach Earl Bruce and ended her career in Special Events at OSU. Josie was a devoted fan for the University of Iowa and was a “pen pal” friend of Coach Hayden Fry.

She is preceded in death by her Father Jack R. Rea, Mother Winnifred J. Rea (Sommers), and Brother John P. Rea. Josie is survived by her Companion Jack Turner, Brother David S. Rea, and his wife Eleanor R. Rea (Doyle), and Sister-In-Law Nancy Rea (John Rea’s wife).

She met Jack Turner about 15 years ago and they were loving best friends and companions to the end. Josie was a cat and dog lover and had her pug “Ralphie” for 10 years. Josie’s passing has left a hole in Jacks heart.

A graveside service will take place Friday October 20, 2023 at 10am at Greenlawn Cemetery. Section 118, Lot 361.