Ruth "JoAnn" Harms, 87
Ruth “JoAnn” Harms, 87, Red Oak, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2024, at Arlington Place.
JoAnn was born July 28, 1936, in Red Oak, the daughter of A.C. “Slim” and Ruth (Kneedy) Fada. She was raised in Red Oak and graduated with the class of 1954. JoAnn received her teaching degree from Iowa Western Community College and started teaching at New Market. She was united in marriage to Dale Harms on July 15, 1956, in Yorktown. They lived in New Market and Essex before moving to Red Oak in 1957. She was a homemaker, raising her children, Deb and Jay, until they were school age, when she started teaching again at Stennett School. Their third child, Jerry, was born and she was again at home until starting to waitress at Chances R Restaurant and the Gold Crown Inn.
JoAnn farmed with Dale before working as a clerk at Red Cross Drug and Fountain Square Pharmacy. She owned and operated Jo’s Gallery from 1987 until 1994. JoAnn’s last job was working at Red Oak Pharmacy until her retirement.
JoAnn was a longtime member of Our Savior Lutheran Church and Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. Most recently, she was attending First Christian Church in Red Oak. JoAnn was also a member of Lutheran Women’s League and the Camping Club. She enjoyed camping, fishing, being outdoors, mowing, gardening to provide food for the family, and crafting. Her priority was her family, and she cherished the time they spent together.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Dale Harms; brothers-in-law, Edwin, Art, and Walt Harms; Leonard Nadgwick; Carl Falk; and Wayne Otte; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Fada; Marvis Harms; Mildred Nadgwick; Lois Otte; and Wilma Falk.
Survivors include her children, Deb Drey and husband Bill of Red Oak; Jay Harms and wife Cammy of Kansas City, Mo.; and Jerry Harms and wife Lisa of Kansas City, Mo.; grandchildren, Jessica Smith and husband Justin of Waukee; Joe Drey and wife Amanda of VanMeter; Courtney Harms of Kansas City, Mo.; Jenna Harms of New York City, N.Y.; Luke Harms of Ames, IA; and Olivia Harms of Kansas City, MO; great grandchildren: Jude, Jordan, and Jace Smith of Waukee; and Rylee and Skylar Drey of Van Meter; brothers, Charles Fada and wife Jean of Fairborn, Ohio; Ed Fada of Red Oak; and Galen Fada and wife Mychelle of Glenwood; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel at 1995 G Ave., Red Oak. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Villisca, or the First Christian Church, Red Oak.
Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.