Sara Jo Stockwell, 83, a former Paola resident and retired businesswoman, died Monday, Feb. 22, 1999, at her rural Osawatomie home after a long battle with cancer.

She was born Dec. 18, 1915, in Osawatomie, the daughter of Harley C. and Edna Cook Tuttle.

She grew up in Osawatomie, attended the schools there and graduated from Osawatomie High School in 1934. After graduating from high school, she attended Ursuline Academy in Paola for two years and obtained her teaching certificate.

She was married to Melvin Stockwelll on March 8, 1936, at Osawatomie. They became the parents of one daughter.

Following their marriage they made their home in and around the Paola area. Mrs. Stockwell and her husband owned and operated Stockwell Office Supply in Paola for 40 years before retiring in 1985.

She was a member of the Untied Methodist Church of Paola and the United Methodist Women's Group.

She was a charter member of the Frontier Twirlers Square Dance Club, which she helped to start in 1976. She was a member of the Pleasant Hour Club of Paola.

Mrs. Stockwell enjoyed square dancing, golfing and playing cards with her bridge club. She also liked sewing for her daughter and herself throughout the years.

Her parents preceded her in death.

Surviving are her husband of 62 years, Melvin Stockwell of the home; a daughter, Nancy Stockwell of Kansas City, Kan.; two sisters, Martha Ainsworth of Claremont, Calif., and Dorothy Wilson of Victorville, Calif.

Cremation. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. March 7 at the church. A visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the services.

Memorials may be made in her name to the church and can be left in care of the Wilson and Son Funeral Home in Paola.