COMPTON, IL – Johanna “Jo Ann” Lipe, age 70, of Compton, IL, passed away peacefully at home, cradled in the love of her children and grandchildren. Born on May 12, 1954, in Groningen, Holland, Jo Ann was one of six children born to Henrik and Alberdina (Koster) Styve. Her early years in Lisle, Illinois, were filled with the kind of warmth and family closeness that would go on to define her entire life.
At just 18, Jo Ann married the love of her life and best friend, Gordon Lipe. Their marriage, nearly 53 years strong, was a true testament to love, commitment, and partnership. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in devotion and laughter, eventually moving to the quiet countryside of West Brooklyn in 1993 to enjoy the peace of rural living—a dream they shared and cherished.
Jo Ann was the proud and loving mother of three children, Angelique Lipe, Gordy (Susan) Lipe, and Sherry (Nathan) Hovious. Her greatest joy came from her family, and that joy multiplied with the arrival of her beloved grandchildren, Josh Ward, Blake Ward, Raymond (Amy) Lipe, Anthony (Zachary) Lipe, Austin Lipe, Ashley (Richard) Lipe, Hannah Ward, Brianna (Nathan) Lipe, and Savannah Foss as well as many great-grandchildren. Each one brought a unique sparkle to her life, and she never missed a chance to celebrate them, guide them, or simply make them laugh.
Jo Ann had a heart full of passion and curiosity. She loved photography, capturing life’s little moments and turning them into treasured memories. She had a deep love for genealogy, always eager to trace the roots and stories that shaped her family. But above all, Jo Ann’s heart belonged to her family—there was nothing more important to her. Her love was fierce, loyal, and unconditional. She was the kind of woman who made everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room and loved unconditionally.
To know Jo Ann was to be loved by her. She was the comforting voice on the phone, the warm hug at the door, the laughter at family gatherings, and the quiet strength holding everything together. Her absence leaves a space that no one else can fill, but her spirit, her love, and her legacy will live on through every life she touched.
We miss you deeply, Grandma. We love you beyond words. We know you’ll be the first to greet us in Heaven, arms wide open, just as you always were here on Earth. Rest in peace, sweet Jo Ann. You were truly one of a kind.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., on Saturday, April 19th, at the Johnston Funeral Home in Ina. Burial will be in the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.johnstonfuneralhome.com.