Jo Susan Bauer Sanborn at the age of 78 in Manhattan, Kansas passed away on July 3, 2024, at the Good Shepherd Hospice in Manhattan, Kansas.
Jo was born June 1, 1946, to Alfred and Ruth Bauer of Clay Center, Kansas. Jo became the right-had person her father needed on the farm as he had no other help. Jo did everything from feeding the cows to birthing the calves, driving the tractor, and carrying bales of hay. Jo’s education started early as her father read to her frequently. Jo wanted to learn to read as there was nothing else to do with no TV or friends to play with. Because of that she learned to read before she even started school. All her life she was an avid reader.
Being the unique person that she was it was not surprising that she wanted to learn to fly. She began her lessons and progressed to the point that she did her solo flights. Jo over her years worked a variety of jobs. After Jo retired from teaching, she worked at two auto dealerships. She worked for the Dick Edwards dealership, in Junction City, KS and after moving to Manhattan she worked for the Murdock dealership. No job she held was too small for her attention and too large for her ability. She always gave every job her best effort. The jobs she held over the years included: A very gifted Middle School Language Arts Teacher, Community College English teacher, Drivers Education Instructor, Corn detasseler, Auto Detailer, Auto Title clerk, Auto accounts clerk, Cleaning Motel rooms, RV sales, and Restaurant dishwasher, etc.
Jo married Donald Roles of Clay Center July 14, 1973. That marriage ended after two years in 1975. She was single several years till she married John Phelps Sanborn September 5, 1992.
Her parents proceeded her in death as did her two sisters Alfreda and Ann.
Survivors included: her husband John Sanborn, of the home, her step- son Jeff Sanborn and wife Julie, and step- daughter Jacque Hoisington and husband Blaik, plus five step-grand-children, and eight step-great-grandchildren.
She attended Grade School in Clay Center, KS and graduated from Clay Center High School in 1964. In 1968 She earned a degree in Education at Emporia State University and graduated with a 3.97 GPA. She also earned her master’s degree from Kansas State University. Her first teaching job was in the Concordia Middle School for two years. She then took a teaching position and taught Language Arts at Chapman Middle School. She remained in that position from 1970-2000.
A Celebration of Jo’s Life will be held on August 1, 2024, at 10. a.m. in morning at the College Avenue United Methodist Church in Manhattan, Kansas at 1609 College Avenue with Reverend John Collins officiating. Private inurnment will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the College Avenue United Methodist Church. Contributions my be left in care of Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen-Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.