Joanne "Jo" Ruth Babcock, 77, of Mankato, died Friday, August 2, 2019 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. She was born July 6, 1942 in Albert Lea the daughter of Lloyd and Ruth (Randall) Larson. Joanne "Jo" graduated from Frost High School. She married James VanRavenhorst in 1962 and together they had 4 children. They were later divorced. Jo spent several years in Owatonna working at the M&M Cafe, The Golden Stack and Jerry's Supper Club. She moved her family to Blooming Prairie where she worked in the kitchen at Prairie Manor Nursing Home. In 1985, she moved to Mankato where she worked for Young America and River Valley Hearing. Jo battled cancer in 2002 and was a survivor. She had a good sense of humor and was known to be a bit mischievous at times. She enjoyed reading, dancing, singing and cross stitch. She is survived by her daughters, Tammy Jo (and Ron) Ballstadt of Owatonna, Beth Ann VanRavenhorst of Owatonna, Vicky (and Clint) Russell of Sparta, WI; son, Mike (and Laurie) VanRavenhorst of St. Paul; 14 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; brothers, Ron Larson of Eau Claire, WI, Glen (and Ann) Larson of Rochester; sister, Mae (and Wayne) Maas of Medford and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Larry. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Saturday from 10am to 11am. Memorial services will be held Saturday, August 10, 2019 at 11am at Michaelson Funeral Home.