Jo Ann Champlin

Jo Ann English Champlin passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, surrounded by family. She was 89 years old. 

Born on July 8, 1937, in Wichita, Kansas, Jo Ann was the eldest of four children born to Robert and Carlene English. She was raised in St. John, Kansas, where she developed the strong values, independence, and spirited nature that would define her life. She attended Lindenwood University and later the University of Kansas. 

Jo Ann met Herbert Hiram "Bud" Champlin on the lake near Alexandria, Minnesota, where their families had summer cottages. They were married on June 28, 1958, in St. John, Kansas, and together built a life centered on faith, family, adventure, and hard work. Their marriage was blessed with four children and nearly five decades of cherished memories before Bud's passing.

Jo Ann embraced life with enthusiasm. In her younger years, she loved tennis, golf, and fast cars, often exceeding posted limits. She and Bud shared a lifelong love of travel, whether exploring the mountains by motorhome or discovering distant corners of the world by airplane. 

Their farm northwest of Enid became another of Jo Ann's great joys. She delighted in raising Highlander cattle and Sebastiani donkeys, finding beauty and satisfaction in caring for the animals. She also had a lifelong love of gardening and growing. 

A gifted knitter, Jo Ann shared her talents by teaching countless others the craft. Students often were surprised to learn one of her hard lessons: when a mistake is made, the only solution is to "rip it out" and begin again. It was advice that reflected both her commitment to doing things well and her practical approach to life. 

Those who knew Jo Ann also knew she was a formidable backgammon opponent. She affectionately called the game "War," playing with fierce determination - often followed by a well-earned glass of Pinot Noir shared with family or friends.

 Jo Ann treasured her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother whose love, wisdom, and unwavering support shaped generations.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bud; and her parents, Robert and Carlene English.

She is lovingly survived by her brothers, Tom English, Tim English and his wife, Barbara, and Joe English and his wife, Sharon; her children, Hiram and Janice Champlin, Joel and Kelly Champlin, Jane and Ron Keeling, and Alec Champlin; her eleven grandchildren: Herbie Champlin; Lauren and Scott Pinson; Rachel and Mike Jost; Robert and Jenelle Champlin; Jared and Carley Champlin; Keith and Grace Champlin; Geoffrey and Julie Champlin; Carly Keeling; Max Keeling; Catherine Champlin; and Patrick Champlin; and her thirteen great-grandchildren: Kara Champlin, Caleb Champlin, Clark Champlin, Mary Kelly Champlin, Heidi Champlin, Hank Champlin, Kelly Champlin, Austin Champlin, William Champlin, George Champlin, Conrad Champlin, Sophie Pinson, and Finn Jost.

Jo Ann loved the Lord. Her family rejoices that she is now at home with her Savior, reunited with those who have gone before her, and waiting for the day when family and friends will be together again.

A memorial service celebrating Jo Ann's life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Enid, Oklahoma, on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Jo Ann's legacy lives on in the family she loved, the friends she cherished, the lives she touched, and the countless warm memories she leaves behind.