Jo Ann Durlam

Jo Ann Durlam, age 89, passed away at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa on Thursday, May 14, 2026. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM on May 30th at the First United Methodist Church, 515 Kellogg Ave. in Ames. Jo was born on January 28th, 1937 in Ogden, Iowa, to Kermit E. Bullard and Marjorie (Hagge) Bullard. She lived in Beaver, Iowa until 1950, then moved to a farm near Cooper, Iowa. Jo graduated high school from the Franklin Consolidated in Cooper. During her time in school, she was active in basketball, music, drama and cheerleading. She was a talented pianist, earning excellent ratings in competitions. She then attended Morningside College in Sioux City and received a two-year teaching certificate. She married Mike Durlam, Jr. on June 24, 1956 and moved to Grand Junction. Jo taught 2nd grade in Grand Junction, Iowa for two and half years and then moved to Jefferson, Iowa. Jo and Mike had two daughters; Ann was born in 1960 and Sara was born in 1963. The family moved to Ames, Iowa in 1964 so that Mike could expand Durlam & Durlam Clothing which became a staple local business in the Ames community. As the children got older...[more]

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o became an integral part of Durlam & Durlam Clothing as she did the bookkeeping, tailoring and eventually took over the women's clothing department. Jo was active in many clubs and organizations, some included New Timers, Theta Chi, Ames International Orchestra Festival Association, and the Mary Greeley Hospital Auxiliary. She was President of the Hospital Auxiliary in the 1980's and was Mary Greeley's Lifeline Project Manager. Jo was also very active in the First United Methodist Church in Ames, as she was a consistent congregant and participated in many committees. Following her retirement from Durlam & Durlam, she served as the church's Business Manager for 12 years, retiring (again) in 2015. Jo could be best described for always being of service to others, which shown through in her family, work, volunteering and social life. She never idled well and kept busy with her many interests and hobbies. Jo was an avid reader and excellent cook and baker. She enjoyed staying active, playing tennis, golfing and dancing with Mike and her friends, and spending time gardening. Jo enjoyed travel, and her trips to Palm Springs, California and girls' trips with her daughters and granddaughter, Erica, were extra special to her. Jo continued her expert piano playing throughout her life and listeners would consider themselves lucky if they got to hear her perform Clair de Lune. Jo had always been a big supporter of Iowa State University, as she hardly ever missed any televised Cyclone games and held season passes at Reiman Gardens. She lived a very social life and valued her many friendships. Despite many health challenges she faced in her last several years, nothing prevented her from socializing, playing cards and having her Sunday Happy Hour drink with her friends. As many of her family and friends know, Jo enjoyed making Diamond Art and would be gracious in providing others with various Diamond Art decorations. Above all, Jo loved her family. Jo thrived and felt immense joy and fulfillment as a grandma and eventual great grandma or "Gigi." Jo was a constant for her family and offered unwavering love and support. She par/cularly made big events, celebra/ons, and holidays extra special for her family. She is survived by her daughters Ann (Richard) Sandve; and Sara (Bruce) Westemeyer; grandchildren Erica (Andrew) Tinius and their son Xavier, daughters Nova and Navy; Nate Sandve; Ryan (Jenna) Westemeyer, and Ross (Jenny) Westemeyer and their son Thomas and daughter Valerie; brother Dr. James Bullard; and many nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her parents and husband, Mike Durlam Jr. Memorials may be directed to Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd, Ames, Iowa 50011, or https://reimangardens.com/donate.