"Jo" Joan May (Voss) Van Boven

Joan May “Jo” Van Boven, 89, of Battle Creek, Michigan, died peacefully on Thursday, February 1, 2024.

Jo was born December 6, 1934, in Pontiac, Michigan.  She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Michigan and then taught school for several years.  As her family grew, she dedicated her life to raising her children in Ann Arbor.  Jo has resided in Battle Creek since 1989.

Jo was a member of the Art Center of Battle Creek, a former president of the Art Center’s Board, and a member of Pennfield Presbyterian Church.   She enjoyed photography and bird watching and baking and cooking. 

Jo is survived by her husband of more than 66 years, Samuel Van Boven; two sons, Gregory Van Boven (David Beck) of Boston, Massachusetts, and Andrew “Andy” Van Boven of South Lyon, Michigan; four grandchildren, Emma, Zachary, Grace, and Katherine Van Boven; her twin sister, June Everett of Caledonia, Michigan; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Merle and Orpha Voss; her older sister, Virginia “Bunny” Voss; her three daughters, Lynda Van Boven and twin sisters Julie and Diane Van Boven; and her daughter-in-law Michelle Vissel Van Boven.

Friends will be received 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, where a service to celebrate Jo’s life will be officiated by Pastor Annmarie Kidder at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday. Inurnment will be held later at Fort Custer National Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rogel Cancer Center, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109.

 Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.