Jo Ann Cristoffer

Jo Ann Cristoffer, the daughter of the late Haskell Soloman Miller and Margaret Louise (Hildreth) Miller, was born on July 18, 1941, in Phoenix, Arizona. As a young girl, Jo Ann moved with her family to Petersburg, Texas, where she spent her formative years. She graduated from Petersburg High School with the Class of 1958 and was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Petersburg. During her time in Petersburg, Jo Ann met Thomas Riner Cristoffer, a United States military serviceman who had just returned from his second tour in Vietnam. The couple married on June 24, 1971, in Plainview, Texas, and enjoyed over 46 years together before Tom passed away on June 27, 2017. Jo Ann and Tom were blessed with three children: Chris, Kyle, and Alan. Jo Ann was devoted to raising their children, even as the family relocated several times due to Tom’s military service. They moved to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, in 1976, then to Fort Benning, Georgia, before returning to Fort Leonard Wood, where Tom retired and they decided to settle. In 1992, Jo Ann began working for the Waynesville City Police Department. Over the course of 15 years, she served as both a road officer and a dispatcher, dedicating herself to public service in her community. In her free time, Jo Ann enjoyed gardening, reading, traveling, and crocheting. Her favorite pastime was sitting on her deck in the morning, savoring a cup of coffee while appreciating the peacefulness of nature. Jo Ann passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at her home, reaching the age of 84. She is fondly remembered and deeply missed by her three children—Chris Cristoffer (Susan) of Laquey, MO; Kyle Cristoffer (Mary) of Springfield, MO; and Alan Cristoffer of Laquey, MO—along with nine grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, her two brothers—Jimmie Miller (Sandra) of Longview, TX and Billie Miller of DeLeon, TX—her sister Janice Edwards of Petersburg, TX, and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Although Jo Ann is no longer with us, her spirit of service and devotion to her family continues to inspire and live on in the hearts of those who knew her. Funeral services were held at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026, in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Pastor Danny Graves officiating. The song "Go Rest High on that Mountain" by Vince Gill was played. Serving as escorts were Bob Carter, Jimmy Bench, Stacy Anderson, Ed Conley, Bill Anderson, and the late Don McCulloch. Burial followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville, MO. Services and arrangements were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jo Ann Cristoffer and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Jo Ann Cristoffer

July 18, 1941 - April 22, 2026