Winifred "Jo" Noth

Winifred Jo Noth, 86, of Independence, MO, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2024.She was born in Kansas City, MO on December 22, 1937 to John and Lorene Beades. She always had a passion for dance and started teaching in her basement as a teenager. She went on to perform and teach dance for the remainder of her able-bodied years. In addition to being an incredible mother of six, she successfully ran her dance studio (Jo Noth’s White Oak Dance Academy) for over 40 years. Jo was a nationally known and respected educator, served as President for Dance Masters of America Chapter 28 and often garnered many top awards at competitions including overall high scores and best choreography. She used her studio as a way to give back to the community by bringing performances to those with special needs and raising funds for the Salvation Army. She enjoyed teaching aerobics to the wives of the Royals players and giving dads a chance to dance with their daughters in her recitals. She touched the lives of many generations, helping them not only to become great dancers (including professional dancers and superstars), but also instilled great work ethics, focus, and a positive outlook on life. 

When she wasn’t dancing, Jo enjoyed spending time with her husband Darrell and kids, rooting for the Chiefs and Royals, fishing, cooking, playing Sorry!, and watching Murder She Wrote with dogs on her lap. 

Jo was preceded in death by her parents John and Lorene Beades, her siblings Leon William Hill and Berniece Schmedding, her son, John Fox, and grandson, Ethan Matthews, and is survived by her spouse of 47 years, Darrell Noth, children Kathy Gouldsmith (Eric Gouldsmith), Heidi Dagenett (Dave Dagenett), Stephanie Matthews (Tony Matthews), Bonnie Meyers (John Meyers), and Kenny Noth (Kally Noth), and her grandchildren: Noah and Zach Gouldsmith, Austin Reed, Hannah Micalizzi, Avery Matthews, Alexis, Ariannah, and Skyler Meyers, and Winnie and Otis Noth. 

A visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 27th at the Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave, Independence, MO 64052.

 The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 28th the Carson-Speaks Chapel with a burial ceremony following at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery (7601 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO 64138)

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Dancing Dreams https://www.dancingdreams.org/donate

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel (816) 252-7900)