Jo Ann Stearns, 72, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, formerly of Russells Point, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at Essex of Springfield. She was born October 2, 1937 in Rushsylvania, Ohio to the late Marshall W. and Goldie A. (Downey) Stearns. 

Surviving is a son, Paul G. (Angel Barhorst) of Bellefontaine; daughters, Kim Laughlin of Columbus, Ohio, Ruth Kathleen Thornburg of Springfield, Ohio, and Beth Morrison of Columbus, Ohio; a sister, Alice Jean Ross of Cincinnati, Ohio; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Marchelle Morrison and two sisters, Mary Elizabeth Kelly and Helen Arnett. 

Jo Ann was a social worker in the Logan County Area. She graduated in 1955 from Bellefontaine High School and attended St. Patrick Catholic Church in Bellefontaine. She enjoyed gardening, antiques, Indian arts and crafts and being with her grandchildren. 

Calling hours will be Monday, August 16, 2010 from 1 to 2 P.M. at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 P.M. in the Huntsville Cemetery in Huntsville, Ohio, with Deacon Harold Dipple officiating. 

The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the American Lung Association  1950 Arlingate Lane Columbus, OH 43228-4102