Jo Ann Garlitz

Jo Ann (Richardson) Garlitz, 84, formerly of Florissant, Colorado, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community, Quarryville, PA after fighting a courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was the loving wife of the late Cdr. & Dr. Jerry Edward Garlitz, USN (Ret), PHD. When he passed, Jo Ann and Dr. Jerry Garlitz had been married for fifty (50) years.

Born on July 15, 1934 in Sioux City, IA, she was the daughter of the late Harold G. and Dorothy (Soegaard) Richardson. She was preceded in birth and death by her Father. Her Mother then married John Strauss, who raised Jo Ann as if she were his own, alongside her half sisters, Jacque and Janie.

Jo Ann is survived by her two children, Vicki (DeShawn) Smith of Jacksonville, FL, and James Edward (Pamela) Garlitz of Willow Street, PA, as well as four grandchildren, Thomas, Taariq, Winter, and Sierra, and four great-grandchildren.

Jo Ann was an active member of The Little Chapel of the Hills, Divide, CO. She enjoyed playing bridge for many years with a wonderful group of Navy wives. Also a nature enthusiast, Jo Ann loved hiking and biking. She was a talented seamstress, avid reader, and gourmet cook. After retiring to Colorado and building their dream home, she partnered with her husband to form JJJ (Jesus, Jerry, Jo Ann) Counseling Ministry.

Above all else, her greatest accomplishment was being a loving Mom. Jo Ann's children will remember her most for her hearty, infectious laugh and her sense of humor.

Jo Ann will join Cdr. & Dr. Garlitz at Fort Logan National Cemetery. The interment will be private.
Please join us to celebrate Jo Ann’s life at The Little Chapel of the Hills, Divide, CO on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 2 o’clock p.m.

Kindly omit flowers. Memorial Remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) or the Little Chapel Food Pantry at Little Chapel of the Hills (www.littlechapelfoodpantry.org).