Joan ‘Jo’ Gaites, age 72, of Tryon, passed away Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at her home.  She was born on February 8, 1942 in Gandy to Arthur B. and Nedra Breneman-Johnson.  She went to High School in Gandy until it closed in 1958.  She later graduated from Stapleton High School in 1960.  She attended and graduated from the North Platte Beauty Academy, keeping her license current to date.  Jo ran ‘Jo’s Beauty Shop’ in Gandy for many years.  She also ran beauty shops in Stapleton and Arnold.  She drove a bus for Stapleton Public Schools for over 15 years.  Jo was mayor of Gandy for a term, owned the Wagon Wheel Bar in Stapleton for six years, and then became a rural contract mail carrier for 20 years before retiring in 2012.

Jo loved the ranch life and living in the Sandhills, she loved her family, especially her kids and grandkids.  She had a big heart, willing to do anything for anyone and will be remembered as having a big bark, but a small bite!  Jo took care of everyone around her and you always knew where you stood with her.

Survivors include her loyal mate of 42 years, Carl Rundback of Tryon; sons, Scott (Bea) Gaites of Stapleton, Kenneth (JoAnn) Rundback of Stapleton, Wayne (Dona) Rundback, Bill Rundback, and Frank Rundback all of North Platte; siblings, Jim (Jackie) Johnson of Cody, NE, Jerry (Donna) Johnson of Gandy, NE, and Jean Kramer of Stapleton, NE; grandchildren, Tammie and Jon Gaites ,  Bryce (Syd) Rundback all of Stapleton, Jennifer (Clint) Vanderwey of Crookston, NE, Kelly (Justin) Loeffler of Cheyenne, WY, Cody Rundback of North Platte, NE, Robyn Rundback of Mullen, NE, and Josey and Chase Rundback of Gordon, NE; 5 great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 sisters, Arlene Hill, and Janice Johnson; granddaughter, Tyann Gaites; and a great-grandchild, James Vanderwey.

Memorials may be made in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 10, 2014 at the Ringgold Free Methodist Church with the Reverend James Paine officiating.  Inurnment will be at the McCain Cemetery at a later date.  Those wishing to sign the register book may do so Wednesday and Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.