Jo Ann Crawford, born October 19, 1940 to Viola (Jackie Piersol) and Uriah Sparks, died May 14, 2016 in Eatonville, WA. Jo moved to Eatonville in 1944, and attended grades 1 through 12 here, graduating from high school in 1958. Her favorite teacher, Margit Thorvaldson, reinforced her already strong love of reading during grades 4, 5, and 6, and Jo was very happy when her children followed her lead, all four developing a love of books and reading. Jo began her career with the US Government in 1959, working in Seattle for the IRS. She took time off to raise her family, but went back to work when her youngest child entered high school, first at Fort Lewis, and then landing her dream job at Mt. Rainier. She held different positions at Mt. Rainier, but finished her career in the Finance Department, where she enjoyed many happy years. Jo was extremely satisfied when she was able to guess the Wheel of Fortune answer before anyone else (which was 95% of the time) and had been known to call her kids when she guessed with one letter. She loved a good book (at best guess owning over 500), card games, an irreverent or witty joke, any kind of play on words, excellent conversation, and beating her kids and grandkids at Jeopardy. She also loved movies, carnival glass, and eating food prepared well-especially if prepared by someone else. Predeceased in death by brothers, Jim Sparks and Sam Sparks, and sister, Billie Baskett, Jo is survived by daughters Julie Leigh, Diane Leigh (Ray Wolpow), Cindy Ronayne (Charles), son Jerry Crawford (Jenaya), grandchildren Mallory Argo, Rob Phibbs, Calan Crawford, and Cayden Crawford, brother-in-law Tony Baskett, sister-in-law Janet Sparks, numerous nieces and nephews, and loyal canine companion, Louie. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Mill Village Motel on June 4, 2016, from Noon to 4 pm.
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