Graveside memorial services for Jo Lee Elston-Erskin, 56, Lawrence, will be at 2 pm Friday at Oak Hill Cemetery, with Terry Jacobsen officiating. Jo Lee passed away Friday, Mar. 3, 2017, at University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, Kan.
She was born Mar. 11, 1960, in Lawrence, the daughter of Duane A. and Mary Jo Brittain Elston. She graduated from Lawrence High School. Jo Lee was a machine operator at Printing Solutions for the last seven years. She previously had worked at Penn House.
Survivors include Calvin Nichols, Lawrence; four children, Misty Nichols, Jeremy Nichols, and Justin Nichols, all of Lawrence, and Dominik Theilmann, Springfield, Mo.; three siblings, Larry Elston and wife Peggy, Joplin, Mo., Michelle Elston and Bill Nichols, Tonganoxie, and Scott Elston, Lawrence; nine grandchildren, Seth Quick, Brooklynne Quick, Cody Nichols, Caden Nichols, Devon Nichols, Gabby Nichols, Justin Nichols Jr., Gracelynne Rothwell, and Shauna Brown; and an aunt, Imo Kilgore, Lawrence. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Rick.
Jo Lee loved spending time outdoors, either sitting outside or going camping at her favorite spot at Lone Star Lake. She loved to entertain, and never did a stranger leave a stranger – she welcomed everyone. Jo Lee loved playing softball, especially her favorite – GBK – Great Big Kids. She was a team member of many bowling teams and enjoyed traveling state to state for the National Bowling Tournaments. She played on multiple volleyball teams within the community. She enjoyed growing her tomatoes and peppers each summer for her salsa makings (always trying to improve each one year to year.) She participated many years in the March of Dimes and Relay for Life events.
Jo Lee had a deep love for her family and was always the ‘go to’ person – she made all things possible to overcome. She lived her life to the fullest and gave back to the fullest. Jo Lee’s life will continue on through her selflessness act of her donating organs to others.
The family will receive friends Thursday from 6 to 8 pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory. Memorial contributions are suggested to Relay for Life or March of Dimes, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044
On behalf of Jo Lee (aka Odie), the family wishes to express enormous gratitude to everyone for your love and support.
I have fond memories of her and working with her at the penn house her ability to have deep compassion and to connect with people was one that I admire and she was truly a gem for community. I can’t thank her enough for the times that she helped me and for the joy she bought me when she showed me to help others. Bless her and her family you are all in my thoughts.
Jo Lee was such a cheerful and energetic person. Loved it when she came out to Lone Star Lake, she was so much fun. Life doesn’t seem fair, we don’t know why you were taken from here, but we do know God has a reason. Know we love you and will miss you dearly. Love hugs and prayers for all of her family and friends,
JoLee was an amazing lady so glad I had the privilege of knowing her while being a part of the family for a brief time. My heart go out her entire family sending love and prayers to all.
Larry and I are praying for the family to be comforted throughout this difficult time. Jo Lee will be greatly missed.
We shared some great memories traveling with the band. Got ourselves in some crazy fixes. We grew up and the band grew apart but we still seem to get ourselves in some fixes. I will miss you JoLee. Family remember the Jolee we all grew to love, and she will never be out of your hearts.
RIP my thoughts and prayers are with the family
I worked with Jo Lee in the mid 90’s at E&E, she was always fun to work with and made the work day bearable. Sorry to hear of her passing, my thoughts and condolences go out to her family.
Rest in peace Jo Lee and may god be with the family.
I’m so Sorry to JoLee’s family for your loss. Iris
Jo-Lee lit a fire in every step she took, not to mention that her kids and grand-kids were her life.
I loved that she didn’t have a filter. Very straightforward! Her bubbly personality, wit, and unconditional love will be missed by anyone that had the privilege of knowing her! Calvin and family, words are no comfort for you right now, but I want you to know that she loved every one of you with all her heart.
Make sure you continue to chose the right paths in life to make her proud. I am here if you need me.
We are so sorry for your loss.Are prayers are with the family……
She was too young to leave us – God Bless you Jo Lee and your family.
I had just talked to her earlier that day and she said she might see me at the lake this summer, I was so happy about that. I will truly miss her, just knowing she was there if I needed a friend. She cared so much for everyone. Love to her family that I know Misty & Calvin
We will miss you greatly. You were a wonderful woman who was dedicated to family.
To the family Jo Lee, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jody was loved by many and will be missed greatly. May God be with you all during this time. Debbie Erwin D’Armond
Jolee Elston-Erskin you were an inspiration to your family and friends. You will be missed by all. Love you girl.
So sorry for the loss of such a great woman. I truly enjoyed working with her at the print shop and seeing her at relay for life. Keeping you all in my thoughts.
Jo Lee….we had some great memories especially in Reno…..You will be missed.