ELKHART -- Josephine Elizabeth "Jo" Bowlby, 86, of Elkhart, passed away Wednesday (July 7, 2010) at 1:15 p.m. in her home.

She was born Oct. 14, 1923, in Wakarusa, to Henry and Marie (Ellis) Wirt. On Feb. 7, 1942, she married Robert Donald Bowlby. He passed away March 25, 1985.

Surviving are daughter Judy (Jack) Amiss of Granger; son Robert (Pamela) Bowlby of Elkhart; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by sisters Avanell Borda and Kathleen Sherk and sons Rick and Tom Bowlby.

She was a homemaker and worked for Industrial Lamp Corp. and Osco Drug Store. She enjoyed baking, cooking, mushroom hunting, fishing, traveling and playing cards with friends.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. today (July 20, 2010) in Prairie Street Cemetery in Elkhart. Pastor David Dollinger will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, is entrusted with the arrangements.