In the peaceful morning hours of February 15, 2017, Jo Ann went to join her one and only love, Jack. She had met Jack Draman when he and a friend invited themselves to her 15th birthday party. Thereafter, the couple shared nearly 75 years of an amazing life’s journey.
Jo Ann, the second child of Ambrose William and Agnes Dale (Turner) Nolan, was born on a farm near Stuart, Iowa. She shared her early years with six siblings, her parents and two grandmothers. She had the privilege of attending rural school through the 8th grade and rooming in town, with two grandmothers until she graduated from Stuart High School.
Jack and Jo Ann began life together with little more than their hopes, love and ambitions. The young family grew from two to six as four little girls were born. Jo Ann was an incredibly capable planner and manager who took pride in her family and home. Good grades, proper conduct, cleanliness and hard work were basic requirements for the girls, not praiseworthy fluff. Jo Ann tirelessly drove her daughters to 4-H meetings, county and state fairs, band and vocal concerts, sporting events and numerous other activities. She helped them make all their own clothes and encouraged anything else they wanted to try in life.
On Leap Year 1980, Jack and Jo Ann held an auction to sell all of the equipment they had acquired during 35 years of farming. They packed their personal belongings, drove to Colorado and arrived in Canon City on St. Patrick’s Day. They lived in Canon City for the remainder of their lives.
Jo Ann contributed her friendship and talents to the Women’s Club, and became a state officer. She was an Elkette, working to support Jack who was a very active Elk member and officer. A successful business woman, Jo Ann trained many young employees to know the oxygen and home health care supply business. Jo Ann and Jack loved their home on the bluff and delighted in sharing it to help organizations host fundraisers and parties.
Jo Ann leaves to mourn, her four daughters, the Honorable Carlynn Grupp, her children, Brad, Greg, Jeff and Larinda and their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren; Daughter, Mary Katherine McBroom, her son Brian, daughter Anna, and their spouses and children; Daughter, Janet Louise Draman, her daughters Alyshia and Rachel, and their spouses; Daughter Dorothy Jean Pobst, her husband, Don, son Dan Higgins, daughter Heather, her spouse, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will also be greatly missed by two siblings, Julia Dill (Ernie) and Paul Nolan, and the many friends she has enjoyed.
To Jo Ann: Your loved ones say to you, as you always said to us: “Good Night, sleep tight, and God bless.”

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