Jo Ann (Northcutt) Azdell, 92, of Mexico, MO, died on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family.
A private graveside service was held Thursday, Feb. 26 at East Lawn Memorial Park. Friends and relatives were invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Saturday, February 28, at 9 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Mexico, MO.
Mrs. Azdell was born on Dec. 3, 1933, in Mexico, MO. She was the beloved daughter of Harold E. Northcutt and Virginia (Atkinson) Northcutt. She learned the values of hard work and community growing up on a farm northeast of Mexico, MO. She attended Beagles Rural School and Mexico High School, graduating in 1951. Mrs. Azdell went on to attend Culver Stockton College and Missouri University, reflecting her lifelong commitment to education and personal growth.
Mrs. Azdell shared this passion with students as a teacher. She taught at Hedgedale rural school for two years and Van-Far for five years, where she taught fifth and sixth grade students.
On June 2, 1957, she married Berry J. Azdell. Together, they established their home on what is now recognized as a family Century Farm, located near Mexico, MO, on Route J. The couple cherished their 68 years on this farm, nurturing their family and creating lasting memories.
Mrs. Azdell dedicated much of her time to volunteer service. At McMillian School, she served as a volunteer, a Girl Scout leader and a member of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). Mrs. Azdell also took on the role of church youth leader, providing support and encouragement to the next generation.
Mrs. Azdell’s foremost passion was her family. In her later years, she developed a keen interest in genealogy, dedicating herself to researching and preserving her family’s history. She compiled genealogical records and created comprehensive family histories for her daughters, ensuring their family heritage would be remembered for generations to come. She also contributed her research skills and enthusiasm for local history to the published Audrain County Missouri History Book, taking pride in her community’s legacy.
Mrs. Azdell was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Mexico. She was also a member of the Audrain County Area Genealogy Society, Missouri State Genealogy, Audrain Historical Society and Presser Hall.
Mrs. Azdell is survived by her husband, Berry Azdell; daughters, Sheila (Mark) Thomas of Lady Lake, FL, formerly of Litchfield, and Janet (Jack) McBride of Mexico, MO; her four grandsons whom she was very proud of, Josiah (Taylor) McBride, Jonas (Natalie) McBride, Andrew (Dominique) Dizon-Thomas and Colin Thomas; and her six great-grandchildren, Naya, Micaiah, Esther, Asa, Africa and Sanyu McBride.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Virginia Northcutt; and her brother, Randall Northcutt.
Memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church in Mexico, MO or the Audrain County Area Genealogy Society. Condolences may be left online at www.arnoldfh.com.
