Jo Ann Mynatt

Jo Ann Mynatt, 86, died at her home in Prescott on December 4, 2018 in the presence of most of her family. Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother succumbed to an extended battle with Alzheimer’s and recently discovered cancer. 

She is survived by her husband of 62 years; daughter Patricia and her husband Alan Blair of Apache Junction, AZ; daughter Catherine of Prescott Valley; son Charles of Chloride, AZ; son Richard and his wife Pamela of Yakima, WA and brother Robert Burchette and his wife Brenda of Manchester, KY; 9 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. A sister, Billie Lou and a brother, William Edward, preceded her in death. 

Jo Ann was born in Middlesboro, KY to William and Yvonne Burchett on June 22, 1930. She was a graduate of Middlesboro High School and worked for the Kentucky Utility Company. She was introduced to her future husband by a friend and she and Roy were married on September 1, 1956. Following Roy’s graduation from the University of Tennessee, the family (now with their first child) moved to Syracuse, NY in September, 1958. This was a life broadening experience for Jo and her home became a center for other young mothers to socialize and share experiences and to become enamored with her wonderful Southern accent. In September, 1963 the family (now with a second child) relocated to Phoenix, AZ where she lived for 34 years. During these years, in addition to having two additional children, Jo became active in her neighborhood school activities, reminding parents of impending meetings, babysitting when necessary and transporting them if needed. She identified problems within the growing school system and fought successfully for correction to several of them. She also led a Girl Scout Troop for several years. Upon Roy’s retirement the family moved to Prescott in 1997. Jo loved to travel and she saw much of the world via numerous land and sea trips with Roy. With this broad exposure she became interested in gourmet cooking and became renowned (at least among her family and friends) for the many and varied wonderful meals she regularly prepared. But most of all, Jo will be remembered for her love of family – her kindness, her happy demeanor, the life lessons and ideals she taught her children and grandchildren. 

A memorial in honor of Jo Ann will be held in January, 2019. It will be planned and coordinated by her granddaughters.