Joann “Jo” Camarena passed away Monday, March 20, 2023 in Salina at the age of 92 years and 1 day. Joann was born on March 19, 1931 in Salina to Ercell and Edith (Wakefield) Colliver. She lived most of her life in Salina but also lived in Laramie, Wyoming for a short time.
Jo worked at Consolidated Printing for over 30 years. She was also a volunteer baseball coach for the Salina Parks and Recreation and a Foster Grandparent at Schilling Elementary.
Jo had a passion for music. From Jazz, Oldies, Tejano to Blues, she loved it all. For many summers, she would be waiting at the beginning of the line to get into the River Festival to mark her place for the weekend.
Jo’s family was everything to her. She was married to the love of her life, Frank, for 63 years. From this marriage, 6 children were brought into the world. Susan (Karl) of Texas, David (Norma) of Salina, Sarah Jane (Robert) of Texas, Jimmy (Passed away in Michigan, June 2021), Roxan (Bert) of Salina, and John of Osage City. Jo and Frank also had 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren: Joshua of New York, Sarhan (Gonzalo) of Salina, Victoria of Salina, Angela of Florida, Rachel of Salina, Olivia of Hays, Emery of Osage City and Liam, Madison, both of Salina and Birdie of Hays.
Joann was preceded in death by her parents, older brother Jim Colliver, sons Robert and Jimmy Camarena, and beloved husband, Frank.
Visitation and Funeral will be held at Ryan Mortuary of Salina on Friday, March 24th, visitation at 1:00 and Funeral at 2:00. We ask that attendees wear red in honor of our Red Bird.
The service will be live streamed at http://livewebcastevents.com/joann-camarena.
The family suggests that memorial be sent to Sunflower Adult Day Services, 401 West Iron, Salina, KS 67401.
Our family would like to thank everyone who had a part in caring for our Mother and Grandmother in her time of need.
I love you, a bushel and a peck
A bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck
A hug around the neck and a barrel and a heap
A barrel and a heap and I’m talkin’ in my sleep