Jo Ann Yeager

Jo Ann Yeager, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, in Dallas, Oregon, at the age of 94. She was born on September 15, 1930, in Earl Park, Indiana, to Robert and Lorene Yeager. Jo Ann's spirit was as bright as the sun, and her smile had the power to light up any room she entered.

Raised on a dairy farm, Jo Ann graduated from Raub High School in 1948, where she graduated third in her class. Following her high school graduation, she pursued her passion for helping others by attending the Indianapolis Methodist Hospital School of Nursing, from which she graduated in 1951. Jo Ann dedicated much of her life to the nursing profession. Her compassionate care and commitment to her patients left a lasting impact on many lives.

A pillar of her community, Jo Ann was actively involved in various organizations, including the John Knox Presbyterian Church, the Polk County Arboretum, and the Independence Library. Her love for service extended to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and her 20 years with Meals on Wheels. She was honored as the Volunteer of the Year by the Luckiamute Watershed Council of Polk County. She approached every endeavor with a quick wit and a sharp mind, always finding something good in everyone she met.

Jo Ann's interests were as vibrant as her personality. She cherished birdwatching, botany, volunteering, quilting, and sewing. Often creating beautiful pieces that brought joy to her loved ones. Her legacy of creativity and kindness will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Jo Ann is survived by her three children: Jack Sanford, Jean Brooks, and Jane Fitzgerald. She was a proud grandmother of 11 grandchildren and a doting great-grandmother to 20 great-grandchildren. Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved son, James "Bob" Sanford, Love of her life Tom Galle and grandson Christopher Gault-Sanford.

A celebration of Jo Ann's life will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the West Salem Christian Church with lunch to follow. Friends and family are invited to join in remembering her remarkable life and the countless ways she touched the hearts of those around her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Willamette Vital Health Music Therapy, a cause that embraces Jo Ann's lifelong commitment to healing and support for others.

Jo Ann Yeager will be greatly missed but will forever remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and community service will continue to inspire future generations.