Jo Ann Bird, 70, of rural Columbia City, passed away at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Parkview Randallia, Fort Wayne.

She was born on August 19, 1954, in Muncie, Indiana, a daughter of Lloyd and Bessie (Evans) Vorhees.  Growing up in Muncie, she graduated from Muncie Southside High School in 1972.

In 1973, Jo Ann joined the United States Air Force.  She was honorably discharged in 1975.

On March 23, 1974 she married Stewart A. Bird.  They have lived in rural Columbia City since 1989.

For over 27 years, she worked for ITT Aerospace in Fort Wayne, retiring in 2016.

She loved playing Bingo and avidly enjoyed fishing.

Surviving are her husband, Stewart; sons, Bradley A. Bird of Bluffton and Kevin and Keith (Ashley) Bird of Columbia City; nine grandchildren; her mother, Bessie Vorhees and sister Norma Walden of Muncie.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lloyd and her brother Lloyd "Bud" Vorhees Jr.

A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date.  Arrangements are in the care of Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Memorials in Jo Ann's honor are to VFW Post 5582, Columbia City.