Jo Ann Strong

Jo Ann (Anders) Strong was born July 17, 1927, to Carl and Alice (Edwards) Anders at Marcus, SD.  She passed away on July 27, 2022.  She was the third child of five:  Vernon, Bernard, Jo, Ronald and Marvin Anders.  
Jo attended rural Meade County Schools, then high school in Faith and Sturgis. She boarded with her brothers in Sturgis while going to high school.  
She met her future husband, Floyd Strong at a local dance.  They married October 21, 1944.  On April 6, 1946, they welcomed their only child, Billy Joe.  
Floyd and Jo custom farmed and had a construction business with Floyd's brother, Bob Strong.  During this time Jo fed the crew in a little cook shack.  Bob continued with the construction business, Floyd sold his interest and bought a neighboring ranch.  They worked the ranch together and to supplement their income, Jo had a chicken business, selling eggs to Black Hills Egg Producers.  In 1958 their son, Billy Joe, died of leukemia.  
They continued ranching until Floyd's passing in 1981.  They had begun leasing part of the ranch to the Harwood Family. 
Jo was instrumental in the development of the Central Meade County Community Center.  She was one of the first board members, holding that position for several years, along with helping in the operation of the Center.  
Jo was generous to her family and friends.  She often gave to those down on their luck.  She was a special friend to many folks, young and old.  She made time and had an open door for friends and neighbors, whether it be for a meal or a glass of tea. 
Jo was a member of the Cow Bells, SD Stockgrowers, Order of the Eastern Star, board member of the CMCCC, and a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary.
It's hard to put into words what Jo meant to so many of us.  She was a pillar of her community.  She made people feel cared for like an aunt and special friend.  She truly was one of a kind.  Jo was one of the hardest working people you could find, with a fun sense of humor.  She could cook a fantastic meal, keep an immaculate house, raise an amazing garden and flowers year after year, and was always dressed with class and style.  She taught many of us how to fish and hunt, (she was a dead-eye shot on a jackrabbit or prairie dog).  
  Jo was preceded in death by her son, Billy Joe; her husband, Floyd Strong; her brothers, Vernon, Bernard, Ronald, and Marvin Anders.  Her sisters-in-law, Doris, Lucille, Wanda and Carolyn Anders and her great-nephew, Travis Anders.  
She is survived by her remaining nieces and nephews, and many special friends. 
Funeral services were held Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at the Central Meade County Community Center, Union Center, SD. Burial is at Mountain View Cemetery, Rapid City, SD.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals. com. 
 

 

The Pioneer Review

221 E. Oak Street
Philip, SD 57567
Telephone: (605) 859-2516
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