JoAnn Ausra

JoAnn Ausra, 92, of Dowagiac, left this world on Sunday, December 22, 2019, to join her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She passed peacefully at Borgess Lee Memorial hospital in Dowagiac with her family by her side. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in JoAnn’s name may be made to Alpha Upsilon Master Sorority or the Cass County Cancer Society. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.clarkch.com. JoAnn was born December 24, 1926, in Cassopolis, to Lyle and Olive (Fitzgerald) Ruple. She graduated from Dowagiac High School in 1943. On May 10, 1946, she married the love of her life, Thomas Ausra. Not long after she married Thomas, they built their home on Helena Street where they raised their three beautiful children, and the home she still lived in. JoAnn worked as a bank teller for many banks in Dowagiac before her retirement. She was a proud member of the Alpha Upsilon Master Sorority where she was a member for 53 years. In her younger years, she enjoyed traveling with her husband and children. JoAnn enjoyed knitting and was always happy in the kitchen baking. She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and could often be found kicking back in the evening enjoying a Gin and Tonic that she always referred to as her “pain pill”. Most of all she loved her friends and family, and she will be greatly missed. JoAnn is survived by her children, David (Sandy) Ausra of Edwardsburg and Susan Ausra of Dowagiac; grandchildren, David S. Ausra and Mike (Angie) Keene; great-granddaughters, Camryn, Bailey, Ellie and Laney; twin sister, Betty Lou Horton; numerous nieces and nephews; grand-dogs, Snuggy and Coco; special niece, Debbie Strom and friend Sandy Jurgenson who were like daughters and sisters-in-law, Barbara Kazlauskas and Jessie Ruple. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Thomas Ausra; daughter, Kathy Ausra; siblings, Bob Ruple and Eldon Ruple. JoAnn’s family would like to give a special thank you to the Doctor’s and staff at Borgess Lee Memorial for their loving care that was given to JoAnn in her last days.