Dolores "Jo" Joan LaMasters Kenworthy Dunkerson

Dolores Joan “Jo” LaMasters Kenworthy Dunkerson, 82, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2014. A celebration of Jo’s life will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Jo generously donated her body to Des Moines University.

Jo was born on November 29, 1931 in Creston, IA to John and Clarella (Ringberg) LaMasters. She spent much of her career working in the finance industry and retired from Stern Finance in 2000. She was also an entrepreneur and owned the Grand Beauty Salon for 10 years. Jo married Clarence J. Kenworthy on June 12, 1949 and the union was blessed with 3 children. They were married for 30 years before his passing. Jo married Dale Dunkerson, a high school friend and they were married for 23 years before his passing. Jo was on the Johnston Senior Advisory Board and an active member of the Johnston Women’s Social Connection. You could find her playing cards each and every day with all of her card clubs or bowling on Senior Leagues at Merle Hay Lanes which was her fullest enjoyment. Every Christmas for the past 10 years, Jo would treat all of her family to a night out of bowling at Merle Hay Lanes.

She is survived by her son, William (Barb) Kenworthy; daughters, Debbie (Larry) Lesley, and Kathy (Scott) Holland; 6 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren with one due in March; 3 step-children, Karen Devard, Jean (Ron) Peterson, and Marsha (David) Sharp; 10 step-grandchildren; 4 step-great-grandchildren; and her brothers, George and Herby LaMasters. Jo was preceded in death by her parents; both of her husbands; her granddaughter, Kelly Kenworthy; grandson, Grant Kenworthy; sister, Evelyn Kinkade; brothers, Bud and Mike LaMasters; and step-son, Bill Dunkerson.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Taylor House Hospice. The family thanks Dr. Nordstrom and the Taylor House staff for the exceptional care Jo received while there. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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