Jo Ann Malir

Jo Ann Malir, 71, of Overland Park, died Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009, after a short battle with cancer. 
She was born May 26, 1938, in Los Angeles, the daughter of Rex and Rose Knapp. 
Mrs. Malir was a member of a service family and traveled extensively while her father was in the Navy. Her father gave his life in the Battle of the Coral Sea. Her mother, younger brother, sister and she survived the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor by seeking safety in a bomb shelter on the Navy base.
After graduating in 1956 from Schertz High School, San Antonio, Texas, she moved to Las Vegas, where she met and married Larry Malir in March 1957. 
Mrs. Malir was active as a leader in the Girl Scouts and Parent-Teachers Association.  She was also active in the Kansas City Square Dancing community as a member of Bootoneers Square Dance Club.  She worked several years at the Pizza Hut corporate offices in Wichita.
Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Larry; two daughters, Kathy Dilley (Jeff), Liberty, Mo., and Carla Hutson (Mike), Fredonia; a sister, Patricia Goss, Shawnee; and a brother, Edward Gwinn (Toni), Lakewood, Colo. 
The family suggests memorials to Kansas City Hospice, 10100 W. 87th St. Parkway, Suite 100, Overland Park, KS 66212.
Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee was in charge of arrangements.