Class of 1947

1947 Maroon SpotlightJo Anne Kruse
Jo Anne Kruse

Band ’44-’47; Librarian ’45-’46; Jr. Play ’45-’46; Homeroom Treasurer ’46-’47; Perryscope Staff ’46-’47.

Margaret “Jo Anne” (Kruse) Waldrip

July 20, 1929 – September 22, 2009

Funeral services are scheduled for 3:30 PM, Monday, September 28, 2009 at First United Methodist Church for Jo Anne Kruse Waldrip, age 80, of Roswell, who passed away September 22, 2009. Rev. Gorton Smith of First United Methodist church will officiate.

Jo Anne was born July 20, 1929 in Perry, Oklahoma to Theodore and Elva Kruse. Her parents preceded her in death.

Jo Anne graduated from Perry High School where she was a member of the Perry Maroon Band. She graduated from Oklahoma A & M, now Oklahoma State University, with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Home Economics. She began her 31 year teaching career in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.

Jo Anne married James W. Jim Waldrip in Perry, Oklahoma on December 20, 1952. Their first residence was at Scott AFB, near Bellville, Illinois. In 1954, Jo Anne accompanied her husband to Muskogee and Ponca City, Oklahoma, where he played minor league baseball. The couple moved to Roswell in 1955.

Jo Anne resumed teaching in Roswell at Washington Avenue, Missouri Avenue, Del Norte and El Capitan Elementary Schools. She retired in 1991. Jo Anne loved gardening, baking, and was an accomplished confectioner and seamstress. Jo Annes greatest pleasure was spending time with her grandchildren.

Jo Anne dedicated numerous hours of community service through the Assistance League of Chaves County. She especially enjoyed working with the Leagues School Bell Project, which clothes over 600 in need Pecos Valley school children annually.

Survivors include her husband James Jim Waldrip of the home; three daughters: Suzie Waldrip of Roswell, NM, Deborah Waldrip Teeter and husband Michael of Los Angeles, CA and Elizabeth Waldrip Urrea and husband Rick of Albuquerque, NM; a son: Ted Waldrip and wife Myungsuk of Arlington, TX; five grandchildren Miren and Helena Urrea, Elizabeth and Michael Teeter, and Wylie Waldrip.