Jo Ann (Cornwell) Shumski 1935-2020

SHUMSKI, CORNWELL, PORTER

Posted By: Barry R Huntsinger (email)
Date: 9/5/2020 at 17:06:46

Jo Ann Shumski, was born unexpectedly to new parents, William and Orral (Porter) Cornwell, on July 31, 1935 at a farm in rural Armstrong, Iowa . She was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist Church in Armstrong. Jo Ann passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on August 14, 2020 in Armstrong at the age of 85 years.

Jo Ann graduated from Armstrong High School in 1954. She worked at many of the cafes in Armstrong. While roller skating in Armstrong, she met Duane Shumski. The couple eloped to Pickins, South Carolina and were married on March 22, 1961. After returning home the couple made their home in Armstrong. Jo Ann worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Ganon for 8 years. Jo Ann and Duane purchased the White House Cafe in 1979 and ran it for the next 30 years, retiring in 2009.

Jo Ann had such a kind heart and was always willing to help around town and the older community members. She and Duane enjoyed gardening and sharing their produce with the community, as well as canning it. She enjoyed fishing and camping with Duane. Jo Ann had a green thumb and had many flowers around her home, she took great joy in taking care of them.

Jo Ann is survived by her husband Duane of 60 years of Armstrong, her daughters Diane Markley of Milford, and Peggy Shumski and her significant other of 35 years John Nefzger of Rapid City, South Dakota, and grandson Corbin Markley. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Larry Shumski, sisters-in-law Cheryl (Warren) Shumski Tabatt, and Marcella Shumski all of Fairmont.

Jo Ann is preceded in death by her parents, brothers-in-law Willis Shumski, Roger Shumski, Gordon Shumski, and Vernon Shumski, and sisters-in-law Ruby (Wayne) Shumski Norem, Mavis (Dennis) Shumski Olson, Bonnie Shumski, Patricia Shumski, and Sharon Shumski.

Interment at Armstrong Grove Cemetery, Armstrong Grove Township, Emmet, Iowa.

(Source: Henry-Olson Funeral Home, Estherville, Iowa.)