Josephine Ann Horton, 88, of Ottumwa died at 3:38 p.m. January 26, 2026 at Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa.
She was born September 26, 1937 in New Richmond, WI to Delbert and Catherine Spurgeon Potter. She married James Hershell Horton August 7, 1960 and he preceded her in death December 30, 2023.
A 1956 graduate of Bloomfield High School, Jo served in the U.S. Army, training for the Women’s Army Corps. Most importantly, she was a stay-at-home mom. She earned her LPN in 1991 from Indian Hills Community College and became a Registered Nurse in 1992. She worked at Sunnyslope Care Center, as an RN at Pleasant Park Care Center in Oskaloosa and at Vista Woods Care Center in Ottumwa, where she retired in 2002 as the care plan coordinator.
Jo enjoyed spending time with her friends and especially with her grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling with her family. She learned to play the violin as an adult and participated in the Indian Hills String Ensemble,
Surviving is her daughter, Daphne (Newell) Palen; 2 granddaughters, Rachel and Olivia Palen; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Delbert Jon Potter and Robert Nicholas Potter.
Her body has been cremated. Visitation with her family present to greet friends will be 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday February 1st at Reece Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Ottumwa Public Library Friends or Ottumwa Community Children’s Playhouse.
