Jo Ann Thomas, 83, of Fort Scott, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 27, 2025, surrounded by family.
Jo Ann was born on May 4, 1942, in Ft Scott, KS to Oscar and Jimmie Sapp. As a young girl, a serious bicycle accident with her sister led her to Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott for recovery. It was there she first felt called to become a nurse—a decision that would define much of her life.
She attended the Mercy School of Nursing, living in the convent with the sisters. After briefly parting ways with her boyfriend at the time, Hubert, the sisters themselves summoned Hubert and encouraged a reunion as her grades were being impacted. Those same sisters would later be present for the births of their children.
Jo Ann’s passion for nursing guided a remarkable career. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University, she went on to receive her master’s from the University of Kansas and later graduated with the first class of Nurse Practitioners at KU. She began her career as a supervisor at Mercy Hospital before moving with her husband, Hubert, to Germany, where they worked at the same hospital. Hubert often joked that the Army had made him a medic just so Jo Ann could serve as a civilian nurse at the Army Hospital.
When they returned to Kansas, Jo Ann resumed her work at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, eventually serving in multiple leadership roles, including Chief Nursing Officer. She later founded Executive Rural Nurses, a consulting group dedicated to helping rural hospitals move from operating “in the red back into the black”. Her success in that role led to her appointment at Allen County Hospital as Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer, where she achieved financial stability for the hospital after years of losses.
Even in retirement, Jo Ann continued to give back, accepting the role of Director of the School of Nursing at Fort Scott Community College to ensure a local pathway for future nurses. During these years, she was also elected by her peers to the Kansas State Board of Nursing, where she served for several years as President, leaving an enduring mark on the profession she loved so deeply.
Jo Ann’s Catholic faith was a constant source of strength and meaning throughout her life. She gave generously of her time to Saint Mary’s Catholic Church and School, where she was a familiar and devoted presence. While she cherished her faith deeply, she also delighted in life’s simple joys—music, sunshine, and long afternoons at Thomas Lake, floating in the water and making sure her hair stayed perfectly dry.
Jo Ann and Hubert, whom she lovingly called Tommy, built a life together that was full of kindness, patience, and unwavering love. They raised three children—Gregory Owen, Elizabeth Ann, and Natalie Sue—and their home was later filled with the laughter and love of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Some of the family’s fondest memories are of the many trips Jo Ann and Hubert took their grandchildren on in their motor home. Adventures that were always filled with joy and togetherness. Passing only months apart, Hubert and Jo Ann leave their family with the peace of knowing their love story continues beyond this life.
She is survived by her three children Gregory Thomas, Elizabeth (Joe) Wright, Natalie (John) Snyder, her seven grandchildren, Bart (Nicole) Wright, Nicholas (Chelsea) Thomas, Drew (Hannah) Wright, Zachary (Stevie) Snyder, Lucas Snyder, Ella Snyder, Thanya Brown-Thomas, and four great grandchildren, Raelynn Wright, Sofia Thomas, Brooks Wright, and Ellison Thomas. One sister Bobbi Kemna.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hubert Owen Thomas, and her parents Oscar & Gladys “Jimmie” Sapp, grandsons Nathanial Wright, Hunter Thomas and soon to be daughter-in-law Nong Brown.
A Funeral Mass will be held on August 1st at 10am at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, with burial to follow at Clarksburg Cemetery. A Rosary will be held at Cheney Witt Funeral Home on Thursday, July 31 at 5:00 PM with Visitation to follow at 5:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jo Ann Thomas Memorial Nursing Scholarship in care of Cheney Witt. Donations may also be dropped off at City State Bank, Ft. Scott, KS.
Jo Ann will be remembered for her compassion, her unwavering love, and her devotion to both her family and her profession. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched.