Born in Oklahoma City and raised in Moore, she was the adored only child of Aretas Frank and Veda Neal Ferry. She grew up on a farm, rode a horse named Babe, and spent cherished childhood days with her cousins Ann Cheryl and Grace Marie. Her early friendships lasted a lifetime—a testament to her gift for staying close to the people she loved.

Jo attended Moore High School and went on to graduate from Central State University in 1956—the same year she married the love of her life, Philip D. Kirtley. She later earned her Master’s in Education from East Central in 1979. Over the course of more than 30 years in public education, she taught kindergartners and counseled middle schoolers in Oklahoma City, Guthrie and Sulphur, helping shape not just young minds but entire communities.

Philip and Jo raised three children together and enjoyed many happy years until Phlilp’s death in 1988.

Jo was a woman of deep faith and steady service, a longtime member of the First Christian Church who served on numerous church committees and volunteered for organizations she believed in—including Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, the Sulphur Chamber of Commerce, and her beloved P.E.O., joining a chapter in every city she lived.

Later in life, Jo filled her days with travel and not just for herself. She brought her family along on many adventures, organizing memorable family trips to London, Hawaii, Chicago, Mexico, New York and more. She packed cute matching outfits and often came home with the world’s best souvenirs for her grandkids: Game Boys from Japan, rulers in hieroglyphics from Egypt, even pieces of the Berlin Wall from Germany. She visited 40 countries across six continents and lived out one of her favorite quotes by Mark Twain: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness…” To her grandchildren, she was Grammy Jo—stylish, funny, generous, and absolutely devoted. She never missed a chance to send one of her signature smiley-face notes, play a card game, buy a meal or say “I love you” to her grandkids. And she introduced them to her friends like celebrities. She always bragged about her family—loudly and proudly.

Despite all that boasting about her kids and grandkids, Jo made lifelong friends wherever she went and stayed connected with classmates, colleagues, and church members across decades. She believed in the power of prayer, the importance of friendship, and that family should stick together, never forgetting who they are.

She is survived by her children, Scott Kirtley (Deidra), Shan Kirtley (Alisha), and Susan Kirtley Devero (Ed); her grandchildren, Brigette Zorn (Phillip), Katie Troxell (Ronnie), Conner Kirtley (with Keely Voytovich), Cale Kirtley (with Lauren Waugaman), Grace Devero, Gabrielle Devero, Branen Kirtley (Katelyn), and Korie Koetting (Ross); and her great-grandchildren, Zach Zorn, Teddy Troxell, Tatum Troxell, Shep Kirtley, and Tilly Troxell.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, or the Ronald McDonald House—organizations that reflect Jo’s values of family and service.