Josephine Etter Lee Eddy, a current resident of Safford and formerly of Animas, New Mexico, went to be with the Lord Friday morning, January 20, 2023, at her residence, with her family gathered round about her. Jo was 93.
Jo was born August 20, 1929, in Henrietta, Oklahoma. When she was 3, her family moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico. While out dancing one evening, she met the love of her life, Johnny Eddy. They were married May 24, 1947. Johnny and Jo ran the Wayside Inn Restaurant in Las Cruces right after their marriage. They moved in 1951 to farm in Bonita, Willcox, and Cochise, Arizona before moving to Animas, New Mexico in 1960 where they remained until Johnny’s death in 1994. Jo then moved to Virden to live with her son Jody after Johnny’s death, then to Las Cruces near her daughter, Jeanette, and lived there until she moved to Safford, Arizona in 2010 with her son John until her death.
Jo was full of life, always smiling and loved by many. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She worked as a bookkeeper for Smith Ford for over 20 years. She enjoyed playing bridge and made many friends as a result. She and Johnny were excellent dancers, and many enjoyed watching them dance at the many Animas Community Dances. Dancing to “In the Mood” was something that caused people to stop and watch. They never could teach anyone the footwork for that dance, although her children tried!
Jo was preceded in death by: her husband, Johnny; her parents; 2 sisters, and 3 brothers.
She is survived by: her daughter, Jeanette Walter (Jim); grandson, Johnny Walter (Kelly); great grandchildren, Madison and Jimmy; her son, John Eddy (Carol); her granddaughter, Jaye List; 4 step grandchildren, Amber, Jamey, Casey, and Eddie; her great-grandchildren, Andrew, Mia, and Kennedy; 10 step great-grandchildren, and 14 step great-great-grandchildren; her son, Jody Eddy (Deidra); granddaughters, Joshlyn, Janaye, Hailey, and grandsons KJ and Tallon; and many nieces and nephews.
Jo loved many and was loved by many. She will be missed. Our heartfelt thank you to all for your thoughts and prayers.
Funeral Services for Jo will be conducted Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Valley View Community Church in Animas, New Mexico. Concluding services will follow in the Valley View Cemetery.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
