Frances “Jo” Joan Deters

   Frances Joan Garrison Deters, 80, of Independence, MO, died Monday, September 9, 2013 at Centerpoint Medical Center. Mrs. Deters, known by family and friends as Jo, was born April 10, 1933 in Kansas City, MO, and she resided in the area her entire life. Jo and her husband, Frank, owned a business called The CarpetMender for several years, and they owned The Kid’s Closet, a resale shop for children’s items, from 1986-1991.

    Jo’s lifelong passion was babies and children. She utilized her talents by taking care of several children over the years, including helping care for a set of quadruplet girls and their older brother. Jo enjoyed hosting parties, singing, playing cards, and having fun. She always had an “open door” policy for anyone who needed an ear.  Over the years, Jo made many special, lifelong friends. She had a talent for creating useful items for others that she sewed, such as bibs, children’s blankets, microwave potholders, and dog blankets.  Over the last 7 years, Jo has lovingly sewn thousands of eye glass cases for a mission called Jamaica Partners.

    Jo is preceded in death by Frank, her husband of 45 years.  Her survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Jeanie and Tony Prete, and her two grandchildren, Kaylie and Michael Prete, residing in Jacksonville, FL. She also leaves behind many great friends. Jo’s presence will be greatly missed by the many lives she touched.

   Jo chose cremation, and her ashes will be placed at the State Veteran’s Cemetery in Higginsville, MO. After the memorial service at Heartland Funeral Home, the celebration of Jo’s life will continue at her home with a potluck dinner.  The family suggests contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in lieu of flowers.