Jo Ann was born on Aug. 15, 1939, when her parents Dutch and Betty Olson were living at the Dew Place on the upper Gros Ventre. Horses were in her blood and her love of riding never diminished. Dutch and Betty parted and Betty moved with Jo Ann and her brother Ross to Pinedale. Jo Ann attended elementary school in Pinedale. When her mother met and married Lew Oviatt, the family moved to Jackson, where Jo Ann attended high school.
Jo Ann later married and had two children, Lane and Kelly. Jo Ann’s marriage ended in divorce but she soon met the love of her life, Tom Colerick. They married and spent the next 50 years together.
Jo Ann was a member of the Backcountry Horsemen, enjoyed barrel racing and her ladies riding group.
Jo Ann passed away peacefully on Sept. 20.
Jo Ann is survived by her brother, Ross Olson of Prescott, Arizona, her husband, Tom, and her two children, Lane Raper (Millie Parks) and Kelly Ravner.
