Jo Ann Hartman

Jo always found the magic in the everyday by looking for rainbows, four leaf clovers and wildflowers in unexpected places. She admired the beauty in the world, both seen and unnoticed by others, marveled at the skill of a spider’s web, wasn’t afraid of snakes, and was even respectful to wasps. She could spy a geode from yards away and couldn’t wait to see the crystals hiding inside. She delighted in the smiles of babies, the kisses of puppies, and the loyal companionship of an old dog. If you took a walk with her across the yard, she might hand you a freshly fallen buckeye nut and tell you to keep it in your pocket for good luck and to prevent arthritis. 

As a wife, JoAnn loved like no other. She and Rich enjoyed going on adventures, working in tandem in their businesses, or retreating to their paradise at the lake. She was the pulse in his blood, and the purpose for getting up to enjoy each new day. Together they cultivated a vast network of friendships from past and current coworkers to the favorite shop keeper at the new antique store or local Mexican restaurant, many of which were formed by an offering of a recently canned jam, or bag of freshly picked tomatoes. 

A favorite past time, she and Rich regularly spent early weekend mornings ‘up 63’ scouring the flea market for vintage finds like a special piece of Pyrex, or some fresh dried peppers or unidentified blend from the bulk spice booth. Her love for others influenced her outings as she often picked up special goodies or vintage antiques to put away as the perfect future gift for a friend or family member, like an old kitchen egg timer, or even something as simple as picking up the hard-to-find coffee creamer as a surprise for your weekend at the lake. 

As a mother she was a fierce supporter, a protector, and best friend. She gave her whole heart into making sure her child would have the best opportunities in life. From day one she played the role of a teacher, teaching how to spell with fridge magnets and singing out-of-tune songs about any silly thing her child was interested in. She taught how to appreciate the value of things, physical or not. She taught hard work. She taught perseverance. Most importantly, she taught love.

She was a daughter that worried, and tended and maintained the closeness even when divided by miles. Love was prioritized in words and actions. Phone calls were plentiful, and often. Embraces always lingered a little longer than the time before. The love and respect for her parents was immeasurable. 

Jo shared a bond with her sisters like no other.  She took every opportunity to make learning fun and share life experiences with her two younger sisters.  Together, the three of them took every opportunity to be together as it always resulted in big fun – and a lot of mischief.  From Boston to San Francisco, the three would blaze trails of fun from coast to coast and everywhere in between.  The last grand trip together was in December 2022 when they were all together in San Francisco welcoming the new family member, Tucker. 

Affectionately known as Sissy to Jamie and Lil Big Sis to Suzy, JoAnn was a vibrant person who grabbed the bull by the horns, made people walk a straight line and if you complained too much, she didn’t hesitate to tell you to put your big panties on and get on with it.  She loved celebrating the good stuff and every day of life was a new opportunity to write another page in her journal of life.  The three sisters always supported each other – in the good times and the tough ones as well.

Jo dried tears, tended to scraped knees, taught the girls how to ride bikes, face womanhood head-on and helped mend broken hearts. She bravely took the passenger seat during drivers ed – deeply inhaling – and holding her breath – as the clutch was engaged and disengaged on a steep hill.  Hey! It worked! We all passed the mandatory Hampton Driver’s School requirement: You must know how to drive a manual to get your license.  

She dolled the girls up for picture day at school, homecoming, proms and wedding days.  Her smile lit up the room and the warmth in her heart melted the coldest ones.  Jo cried and celebrated along with her sisters.  Her hugs were the tightest and the best.  She was also crowned the official grand champion of the Jell-O bed.  Her status was never contested nor challenged.

Jo continually donated to Matthew 25: Ministries.  Along with Rich, they helped collect items to be distributed to the flood victims in Eastern Kentucky – specifically Letcher County.  This was very special to Jo’s heart as her paternal roots run deep through those hills.  From August 2022-April 2023, four trips were made utilizing a large UHaul moving truck. 

Jo Ann would drop everything she was doing to help a person in need and turn into Nurse Jo at a moment’s notice.  She was the best back scratcher around and offered hand massages freely.  No questions asked, Jo was always at your door to assist.

There was no ‘step’ in her mothering. She was encouraging of efforts, thoughtful of the endgame, and nudged in just the right way to bring people together. 

Grandma Jo was the type of Grandma to play with your hair and lull you to sleep with your head in her lap after a long day or just pull you aside for a spontaneous hug. She was incredibly compassionate and always put everyone before herself. With a keen eye for the little details, she was always looking to create and loved to include others in her passions. Her paintings adorn rocks, canvases, and gourds alike from here to Michigan. 

JoAnn had a thumb so green; she could make concrete bloom.  She loved her poppies, African violets, orchids, succulents and any orphaned plant that needed a happy home.  JoAnn loved planting a garden every year and sharing the fruits of the bounty with family and friends - which typically equated to a lot of tomatoes!

Lake Cumberland was a favorite place for JoAnn and her family to escape. Relaxing days spent on the water, tubing or fishing.  Kicking back on the porch and enjoying the cool breeze as it filtered its way through the trees around the house.  Ending another beautiful day at the lake making s’mores with the kids – big and small - around the huge bonfire, while others watched, legs swinging from the Green Giant picnic table.

Diet Mountain Dew was always in her tumbler and Tuesdays were Taco Tuesdays.  If you happen to see some Ball jar rings when you’re out and about, you should pick them up because they aren’t always easy to find. She would want you to eat the sushi, make the sauce from scratch, forget about using a recipe - just cook from your heart by adding a little of this and a dash of that, plant the seeds, buy all the things marked down to $1, make the phone call, and know that Family is Everything. 

JoAnn Hartman (nee Hampton) passed away September 4, 2023 at the age of 60.  Beloved wife of nearly 32 years to Richard N. Hartman I and devoted mother of “Ren” - Richard Nicholas Hartman II. 

Loving daughter of Doyle and Karen Hampton and beautiful “little big sis” of Suzy (Tom) Berning and Jamie (David) Seetapun. Special step-mother to Erin (James) Horton, Josh (Beth) Hartman and Amanda (Billy) Boehne.  Fun-loving Grandma Jo to Emma, Natalie and Georgia Horton, Samantha and Cooper Hartman and Anna and Molly Boehne.  Aunt to Kelly (Doak) DeTellem and Samuel Seetapun.  Great Auntie JoJo to Andrew, Doakie and Ronnie DeTellem. Also survived by her beloved furbabies DD and Tucker, forever friend Renee McGowan, and special relatives and friends. JoAnn was preceded in death by her grandparents, Mabel and James Norvell and Lilly and Carson Hampton and Dennis Back, Brother-in-law Scott Metz, and crazy Auntie Sharon Hansel.

Please join us in celebrating JoAnn’s amazing life and legacy on Monday, September 11, 2023.  If possible, please wear purple or colorful clothing as these were her favorites.

Visitation will be held at Hodapp Funeral Home, 8815 Cincinnati Columbus Rd, West Chester, OH from 10 AM – 11 AM followed by the Funeral Service at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the SPCA, Pink Ribbon Good, Matthew 25: Ministries or the charity of your choice.