Tributes have pouring in this week for Jo Lane, the daughter of the former editor of the Ross Gazette, Martin Morris, and a former Mayor of Ross-on-Wye, who died at home last week.

Jo leaves behind her husband, Robert, and two children, Emma and Tom, as well as a large circle of friends. They have described her as full of fun and a very loving person.

Jo was elected as a Town Councillor in 2007 and served as Mayor of Ross-on-Wye from 2010-2011. Ross Town Council paid tribute to her on the Town Council website. They said:?“Jo lived in Ross throughout her life and took a keen interest in the life of the town and its local politics. She was elected to the Council in 2007 and was an active and highly respected Councillor. She resigned in 2013 due to ill health.

“Jo was an outstanding Mayor of Ross in the year from May 2010 to May 2011, making many new friends during her year of office. She has been a strong supporter of young people in particular, but appealed to a whole range of people in her constant efforts to promote the interests of the town.”

Jo was a devoted mother, and her children have vivid memories of fun times as well as lots of cuddles. She would read stories, organise fun crafting activities and games, take them on walks in the Forest of Dean, and always bake amazing novelty birthday cakes each year.

Friday evening was always family time, but they also enjoyed holidays abroad and time spent camping. Emma and Tom told the Ross Gazette she was a comforting and loving mum when they were children and in later years was their guide, confidant and always listened to their concerns and troubles.

They also recall the ongoing battles about who was the best cook in the family, Robert and Jo met at catering college in 1972. and married in Ross in 1976. Jo worked as a school cook at John Kyrle High School for many years, and the couple later opened Caffé Eleganza in Broad Street, Ross.

One of Rob’s enduring memories is seeing Jo’s face filled with pride when she held daughter, Emma, for the first time, and the relief on her face when Tom was found after being lost in the forest on a wildlife walk.

Jo loved food and eating out, socialising and handbags. Emma said:?“She couldn’t pass a handbag without scrutinising it as a possible purchase.”

Travelling was a huge passion for both Rob and Jo, they visited the Souks of Marrakech, trekked the Grand Canyon, toured America and the splendour of the giant red woods, and Jo overcame her lifelong fear of heights and bridges by walking over the Golden Gate Bridge.

They spent Jo’s 50th birthday in Prague and throughly enjoyed the history and the city centre. The Andalusian city of Rhonda and Grand Canarian town of Porto Morgan also held a special place in her heart.

Jo nearly lost her life in a riding accident while on holiday in France in 2005. She had to be put into an induced coma and it took six months to fight against the odds before she recovered.

This experience was one of the reasons she became a Town Councillor. She wanted to give something back to the community that meant so much to her and to be able to do something productive and rewarding after a long recovery from the riding accident.

The family recall that her proudest moment was being elected to represent her town as Mayor. As a former member of 1st Ross Guides, and because it was the 100th year of Guiding, she invited Chloe James of Bridstow Guides to work with her.

The funeral will take place at St Mary’s Church, Ross-on-Wye on August 12th at 12.30pm