JoAnn Jeanette Stype, of Wooster, Ohio, peacefully passed away the morning of March 30, 2025, surrounded by family. She was born on April 23, 1934, to the late William C. and Aurelia “Rae” Safke King in Lima, Ohio. She was raised in Lima, as the only daughter in a family of five brothers – Bill, Larry, Bob, Tom, and Jim – also who all preceded her in death.
She graduated from Lima Central High School and married the late Roy P. Stype, Jr. on December 28, 1952. She is survived by four children from that marriage, Roy Paul III (Melanie) of Bath, OH, Greg (Deb) of Upper Arlington, OH, Kris (Scott) Patsolic and Rex, both of Wooster. She is also survived by three granddaughters, Amanda, Robyn Rae and Sydney and a great grandson, Barnaby William. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Phyllis (Larry) King of Hamilton, OH, Sue (Jim) King of Lima, OH, and many nieces and nephews.
As an active pilot and certified flight instructor well into her 80s, she was a woman ahead of her time. She was especially proud of earning her instructors license followed by her twin-engine rating. She was a member of the Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots. As an active board member of the organization, she was invited to tea with Pat Nixon at the White House. She competed in national and international cross-country Powder Puff Derby air races in the 1960s through the 1980s. She finished second in the 1970 Powder Puff Derby and danced with the President of Nicaragua at the conclusion of another international air race. As a flight instructor, many in the Wayne County area are in the skies because of her flight instructor certification.
But her true love was her children especially Rex who she advocated for and mentored in his special education and occupational experiences.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM, at the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home at 216 E. Larwill Street, Wooster, OH 44691. There will be visitation 2 hours before the service and a graveside gathering at Wooster Cemetery immediately following.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd, Wooster, OH, 44691 or The Ninety-Nines, Inc., 4300 Amelia Earhart Dr, Ste A, Oklahoma City, OK 73159-1106 www.ninety-nines.org/donation.htm.
Online condolences may be directed to www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Kris,
So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your fond memories of your mom will help during the hard times. You always spoke so highly of your mom.
My heart hurts for the family. I grew up living a few houses away on Armstrong Dr. Mrs. Stype made excetional ham salad sandwiches for us kids. She also ended up being my Dad’s flight instructor in the early 80s. My she she now fly freely.
My heart hurts for the family. I grew up living a few houses away on Armstrong Dr. Mrs. Stype made excetional ham salad sandwiches for us kids. She also ended up being my Dad’s flight instructor in the early 80s. May she she now fly freely.
Sending our love and deepest sympathy in the loss of your precious mother. We have shared many special visits with her these past couple of years and will treasure the great friendship we developed. May you all find great peace in those wonderful memories of your lives shared together.
Sincere condolences to the entire Stype family. Jo was indeed quite a lady. 🙏🏻✝️🙏🏻
My sympathies to JoAnn’s family. We reconnected, after many years, when your mother decided to sell her home. In our many conversations, her main concern was her family. She cherished you all but as you stated in the obituary, she was a champion for Rex.
JoAnn…….may you rest in peace.
JoAnn was a super parent while I was at Parkview – her concern for Rex was unbounded and she made sure that he received the best education possible. Rex is successful today because his mother cared and was proactive for his welfare. Thank you so much JoAnn, rest in peace.
Rest in peace and thanks for my first introductory flight. You were an inspiration
My condolences on your loss. I enjoyed many conversations with her and also Rex as she taught him to ship packages. She was feisty and funny and a true spirit!
Condolences to Roy, Greg, Kris, and Rex. I’ve known JoAnn since shortly after she moved to Wooster. My mom and brother both worked at Stype’s Drug Store and Jo Ann was also a neighbor. I babysat for Roy (we called him Arpy) and Greg when they were quite young. Always found JoAnn to be so interesting and a great role model for young women! Rest in peace, JoAnn! Fly with the angels!
My condolences to the family. Roy was a classmate(Class of 1971). Your mom was quite an accomplished woman. May she RIP.
Rex,
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother. You and your family have my deepest sympathy. Rest in peace JoAnn.
From all of the staff at Wayne County Airport, we will miss our visits and stories from JoAnn. We always looked forward to her, and many times with Rex, visiting us! May your wings soar eternally in peace, and may your spirit find rest among the stars.
Sending lots of love to all of you. Aunt JoAnn was such a strong woman who raised amazing kids. my heart goes out to all of you. Give Rex a big hug from the Highland’s.
Kris. Our whole family sends condolences to your family. I can’t believe we lost 2 such strong women just days apart from each other. Please extend our deepest sympathy to the rest of the family too. My mom always told me that her and Aunt JoAnn were born the same year and now they left this world the same year too. Please reach out to us when you get a chance to catch your breath. We would love to reconnect.
Roy, Greg, Kris and Rex
Chuck and I are sorry for your loss. Somehow we never feel quite grown up to lose a parent.
Extending to you, Greg and all your family my most sincere sympathies on the passing of your mom! She sounded like such an extraordinary human! My prayers for you all during this time! 🙏🏽
She was my CFI for many years and I can still hear her voice giving instructions, advice etc when flying. Occasionally these tidbits were in a very loud voice! She influenced many aviators. I’ll miss her. Thank you Joann for your guidance.
My thoughts and condolences to the family. Rest in peace. God bless Rex.
My sincere sympathies to the entire family. JoAnn gave flight instructions to many Wayne County pilots and was a great supporter of the Wayne County Airport. May you Rest In Peace JoAnn.