Jo Ann Pankey

Jo Ann Ton Pankey, 95, of Missoula, Montana, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at The Village Health and Rehab, after a short illness.

She was born on August 11, 1930 in New Orleans, Louisiana, to John Burroughs Ton and Jane Elizabeth Drago Ton. Her family welcomed her brother, John Jr., 2 years later on Christmas Day.

From New Orleans, the family moved to Gulfport, Mississippi, when she was 6 years old. She graduated from Gulfport High School, where she excelled in her studies. After high school, she attended Millsaps College and University of Southern Mississippi -- GO GOLDEN EAGLES!

After graduating with honors, Jo Ann was a research chemist at Tulane Medical School. Soon she married a charming air force serviceman, Raymond Pankey, and moved from her beloved Gulf Coast to Omaha, Nebraska. Later, they moved to Austin, Texas, so that he could attend the University of Texas. Their first daughter, Jayna Ann, was born there. They moved again, to Dallas, when Raymond was accepted to Baylor Dental School. There, a second daughter, Laura Lynne, was born. Again, the family moved. This time, to Fort Worth, Texas.

She served as a Sunday School teacher, and especially loved 5-year olds. She was involved with the Girl Scouts, and everything concerning her family's activities.

After the girls left home, she re-entered the workforce as a drafting engineer for L-1011 and F-16 landing gear. She continued to enjoy volunteer work, even after retirement. Especially dear to her heart was the Methodist church, Meals-on-Wheels, and CareCorp.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, and ex-husband. Survivors include 2 daughters, Jayna (Hal) Bass and Laurie (Terry) Picklo, 4 grandchildren, Lynette (Jennifer) Bass, Kevin (Aiko) Bass, Jeffrey (Noor) Bass, and Aaron (Nicole) Holmgreen, and 9 great-grandchildren.

Burial arrangements will be handled by Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula, and Riemann Family Funeral Home in Gulfport. She will be laid to rest in a private ceremony on April 16th at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local Meals-on-Wheels. Please sign the online guestbook and share memories at www.RiemannFamily.com