Martha Joann Kissling

Martha Joann (Jo) Kissling – 11/26/1945 – 10/19/2022

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jo Kissling, beloved wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and educator. She was loved by and an inspiration to many, including the innumerable students she taught over 40 years as a funny, no-nonsense Honors English Composition and Literature teacher.

Loved ones that will miss Jo dearly are her husband, James (Jim) Kissling; her son, Matthew Kissling, and daughter-in-law, Heather Schurz Kissling; her daughter, Jamie Kissling Gossett, and son-in law, Jeremy Gossett; son Jonathan Kissling; grandchildren, Layne Gossett and Jessie and Mariah Gossett, and great-grandchildren Decker and Asher. Loved ones that preceded Jo and welcomed her in peace were her father and mother, Chaylon Price Overby and Anna Reah Helm Overby, and sisters, Mary Smith and Betty Reynolds.

Jo grew up in Posey County, Indiana and went to Mt. Vernon High School. She attended Western Kentucky University and Oakland City College before graduating from the University of Evansville and earning her BA in English Literature in 1967. After graduating, Jo began a long and influential teaching career that spanned 40 years at institutions including Bosse High School in Evansville, IN, and Lawrence Central High School and Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, IN. During her time as a teacher, Jo also earned her Masters’ Degree in 1974 from Butler University and attended a prestigious six-week summer course on the life and works of William Shakespeare taught at Stratford-upon-Avon in 1986.

Jo married her college sweetheart, Jim Kissling, and enjoyed 55 years of marriage in Indianapolis where they raised their three children.

Jo had many hobbies and interests during her career and in retirement. What she enjoyed most was cooking and baking for her family and friends, reading large novels, and travel of any type. Whether simply travelling to the family campsite near French Lick, IN, attending baseball games in St. Louis, taking her children and students abroad to England, or visiting Hawaii with Jim and their friends, Jo was always happy to be somewhere new and different.

Jo was a dedicated wife, mother, and teacher, and her family and students were her greatest happiness. Jo’s family would like to thank our friends and family for their support. In addition, the family extends sincere thanks to the caregivers and staff at Majestic Care of Sheridan for all of the help and care they have provided.

A visitation will be held for Jo on Tuesday, October 25th, 2022 at Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park East, 10722 E. Washington St in Indianapolis from 11AM until 2PM with service at 2PM. Following her service, Jo will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery, 9350 E. Washington St in Indianapolis. In lieu of flowers, Jo’s family respectfully requests that memorial contributions in her name be made to the Riley Hospital for Children or The William Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. To donate, please click Here