Jo-Ann Lathrop

Jo-Ann Lathrop, 75, of Enterprise, died Feb. 12. A funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. Friday at the Bollman Funeral Chapel in Enterprise. Following the ceremony there will be a gathering of family and friends at the Lostine Grange.

Christened Nina Jo-Ann, she was born Sept. 18, 1935, to Lawrence Calvin and Pheobe Nina Markham in Battle Mountain, Nev. Her family moved to La Grande, where she spent most of her childhood. As a youth Jo-Ann was involved in her church youth group and took special pride in the Bibles she received for perfect Sunday school and church attendance.

Jo-Ann married Robert "Wayne" Lathrop in 1954. They lived in Lostine, where they ranched and Wayne worked in the woods. In 1961 they bought a farm on Golf Course Road, which was their home for the last 49 years. They acquired more land through the years, deepening their shared love for livestock and agriculture.

Jo-Ann worked as a secretary for the Enterprise Saddle Tree Shop and as a teacher's assistant for the Enterprise School District before settling into a career with the Forest Service. She retired in 2000.

For many years Jo-Ann and Wayne were avid square dancers. Jo-Ann was involved with the Wallowa County 4-H stock sale for many years and served as president of the Wallowa County Cowbelles Association. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and of the Hurricane Creek Grange and was involved in her children's many activities. She was a recipient of the Friends of 4-H award and an honorary member of the Enterprise FFA.

Very creative, Jo-Ann was a skilled painter and seamstress and an avid photographer. She enjoyed using her computer, especially with graphic arts.

After suffering a severe stroke in 2000, she channeled her creativity into her friendships with friends from church and the Wallowa County senior meals.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Jim Markham. Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Wayne Lathrop; brother, Boyd Markham; sister-in-law, Sharon Markham; sons and their wives, Jeff and Nancy, Scott and Ruby, Mick and Kelli; daughter, Betsy; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wallowa County senior meal program.

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