Apr 21, 2021

Jo Ann (Kitts) Unrein

Posted Apr 21, 2021 5:41 PM

Jo Ann (Kitts) Unrein, 66, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Sunday, November 22, 2020, at the Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.

Jo Ann was born November 17, 1954, in Concordia, Kansas.  She was one of three children born to Billie O. and Doris (Johnson) Kitts.  She grew up on a farm near Mankato, Kansas and graduated from Mankato High School.  She then attended and graduated from Ft. Hays State University with a degree in Elementary Education.

Jo Ann was united in marriage to Arlyn Unrein on October 9, 1976, in Hays, Kansas.  This union was blessed with twins, Andrew and Angela.  They made their home in Hays for a couple of years before moving to Russell.  

Jo Ann was a Trainer for Department of Children and Families for over 34 years before her retirement last year.  In her spare time she enjoyed gardening, sewing, doing crafts, and most importantly, spending time with her grandchildren.

Jo Ann’s surviving family include her husband of 44 years, Arlyn of the home; daughter, Angela Bowers (Jason) of Lenexa, Kansas; son, Andrew Unrein (Jen) of Grain Valley, Missouri; brother, Mel Kitts (Synda) of Goddard, Kansas; sister-in-law, Beth Kitts of Crown Point, Indiana; and eight grandchildren.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents and brother Robert Kitts.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, April 23, 2021, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.  Cremation has taken place. 

A Memorial has been established as an Education Fund for the Grandchildren.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.