Former Sheridan resident Jo-Elaine Howard Upton, 85, died Thursday, March 11, 2010, at the Mesilla Valley Hospice in Las Cruces, N.M.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service is 1:30 p.m. March 25 at the Assisted Living Center of the Good Samaritan Retirement Village where she resided until her death. Arrangements are with La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home in Las Cruces, N.M.

She was born in Osceola, Iowa, on Jan. 5, 1925, to Ernest Howard and Opal O’Neall Howard. After brief stays in Iowa and Colorado, the family moved to Sheridan where she attended Sheridan schools and graduated from Sheridan High School in 1942.

She received an associate’s degree in fine arts in 1944 from Colorado Women's College in Denver. A voice major, she received an award of merit at graduation for her exemplary character. During college she was elected President of the Glee Club, and was active in La Tritonne, a music fraternity.

As member of The Bit and Spur Club she was able to display equestrian skills learned during her childhood in Sheridan and Story, and was the radio announcer of a popular Sunday morning broadcast in Denver.

She lived New York City in 1945 where she studied voice at Barnard College.

She returned to Sheridan and married Walter Upton in 1947. She moved to various states with her husband who worked as an account manager for Montgomery Ward until his retirement. The couple moved to Las Cruces in 1983.

She enjoyed reading, animals (especially her horses and dogs), and volunteer work. She offered voice recitals at various venues throughout her life, including the Sheridan Women’s Club.

She was active in the War Bond Drive.

Mrs. Upton continued educational pursuits with attendance at seminars and college classes, and received a Certificate of Advanced Standing from George Williams College in Downer's Grove, Ill., in 1978.

She was active with the Episcopal church, and participated in activities addressing world hunger and juvenile justice issues.

She was a member of the Las Cruces Chapter of the League of Women Voters.

She was preceded in death by her husband.

Survivors include two children of California, Kristine Diamond and Greg Upton; and one grandson.

The Sheridan Press - March 20, 2010.