Jo Ann Centlivre

Jo Ann Centlivre, 87, of Topeka, passed away October 20, 2012 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka from the effects of a stroke she suffered at home on October 10, 2012. Jo Ann was born November 29, 1924, in Topeka, the daughter of Joseph H. Overbey Sr. and Marie C. (Murley) Overbey of Topeka, and was one of seven children. She married Howard E. Ives on October 4, 1950. They divorced in the 1960s. She married Robert Centlivre on December 2, 1975. He died January 6, 1990. Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents, both her husbands, and five brothers and sisters. Jo Ann was a graduate of Capital Catholic High School (now Hayden Catholic High School) in Topeka, and Clarks School of Business, in Topeka. Jo Ann worked as a secretary in the Kansas State Senate in the 1950s. She was a member of the campaign staff of Governor John Anderson in 1960. She was clerical supervisor at Kansas Republican State Headquarters 1961 through 1965. She was a member of the staff of Governor Bill Avery during his term as Kansas Governor from 1965 through 1967. She was a supervisor in the Corporations Department of the Kansas Secretary of State's office 1965 through her retirement in 1989, beginning under Secretary of State Paul R. Shanahan and retiring under Secretary of State Bill Graves. In retirement she was a volunteer at St. Francis Hospital and Topeka Civic Theatre for many years, receiving multiple volunteer awards from each. She was a member of Christ The King Catholic Parish in Topeka. Jo Ann is survived by her two sons, James F. (Jay) Ives and Edward A. (Ned) Ives; daughter-in-law, Joanne (Seymour) Ives, granddaughter, Chelsea M. Ives; brother, Joseph H. Overbey Jr., all of Topeka; five step-children, Cheryl Thomas, Lyndon, Kansas, Gary Centlivre, Topeka, Karen S. Osborn, Topeka, Nancy Centlivre, Kansas City, Missouri, and Kevin Centlivre, St. Petersburg, Florida; many step-grandchildren; an adopted daughter, Carol Kirkbride of Euless, Texas; an adopted granddaughter, Lori Herndon of Houston, Texas; and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6-7 p.m. at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka KS, 66614, where a parish rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church with burial to follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions on her behalf may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church or Marian Clinic, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home.

Jo Ann Centlivre

November 29, 1924 - October 23, 2012