Jo Ann Mickelson

Jo Ann T. Mickelson returned to her Heavenly Father in March 4, 2013, in Albuquerque, N.M. A viewing will be held at 1:00 pm - 1:45 p.m., funeral at 2:00 pm Saturday, March 9, 2013, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints stakehouse in Durango. Brother Thomas Gurr will be officiating. Jo Ann was born in Albuquerque September 30, 1925, at St. Joseph's Hospital. She went to school both in Albuquerque and Los Lunas. After graduating from high school, she began working at Santa Fe Railroad. She married the love of her life, Cecil Mickelson, on July 4, 1947. Soon the couple relocated in Durango, where they began making jewelry together. They owned and operated Mickelson Jewelry. In 1974, her family moved to Bisbee, Ariz., where they mined turquoise. They returned to Durango in 1976. Jo Ann's life was completely dedicated to her husband and children. She was very active in her church and held various positions within the church. She is survived by her daughter, Shauna Hernandez, and son-in-law, Javier Hernandez of Albuquerque, 16 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her siblings Rosemary Matney, Lester Matney, Donald Matney, her husband, Cecil Mickelson, and children Melody Mickelson, Cecil Narlin Mickelson, Joel Lester Mickelson, Dee Ann Barker, and Peter Quinn Mickelson. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 701 Camino del Rio, Suite 115A, Durango, CO 81301.