Joann Meyer

   JoAnn (Hodge) Meyer, 80, of Alma, Kansas, died Jan 14, 2024, at her home after an illness. She was a lifelong member of the Wabaunsee County communities of Alta Vista and Alma.  

   JoAnn was born July 30, 1943, in Junction City, Kansas, the daughter of Reuben and Esther Heideman-Hodge. She attended local schools in Alta Vista.   She was baptized on August 15, 1943, and was confirmed on April 8, 1956.   

   She married Freddie H Meyer on November 25, 1962, in Alta Vista, Kansas.  He survives at their home.  

   After graduation, JoAnn went to work for the federal government at the Wabaunsee County ASCS in Alma.  She worked as an aide at the Alma Manor.  In 1969 she went to work for the Alma Co-op as a bookkeeper until 2001 where she was promoted to manager.  She was one of the first female managers in this field.  She retired in 2004.  

   JoAnn was a tireless volunteer for her church, her community, and her family.  She loved the Lord with her whole heart and was an active member of St John Lutheran Church.  She held many offices, taught Sunday school, chaired VBS for several years, sewed and tied many mission quilts, and planned and served many funeral luncheons.    She was a founding member of the Alma Recreation Commission, served on the Chamber of Commerce for many years, and was co-chair of the Alma 125th celebration.  She was a leader in 4-H and served as a sewing leader for the fair well into retirement.   JoAnn was a member of the LWML (Lutheran Women’s Missionary League).  She loved going to the conventions (district, state, and national) and served in many positions within the organization.  She was proud to be the transportation director for the convention that was held in Kansas City.   

   JoAnn’s hobbies included watching her KSU wildcats, St Louis Cardinals, and KC royals, reading, puzzles, crafts, sewing, and spending time with her family.  She was very proud of her daughter and her grandchildren and spent countless hours taking care of them, driving to various practices, and attending their sporting events.     

   In retirement, she cared for her great-great nephew Carson Chamberlain for a time and then her great-granddaughters Ellinor and Meyer Jane.   

   JoAnn loved her family, going to their events and spending holidays together.  She is survived by her husband, Fred Meyer; her daughter, Kathy Cox, and her husband, Chris Cox of Alma; Grandchildren Heather Pfannenstiel and fiancé Dustin Wealthall of Alma; Eric Cox and wife, Nichole, Belvue; Great-Grandchildren Ellinor, Meyer Jane, Reece, Dylan, Dryden, and Berkli. Her sister-in-law Eleanor   Meyer and numerous nieces and nephews.   She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers (Arthur & Virginia Zeckser, Vernon & Jo Zeckser, Ervan & Mary Lois Zecker), her sisters (Rosemary & Bill Brown & Helen), her brothers-in-law (Warren  & Arleen Meyer, Chester Meyer) and sisters-in-law (Amanda & Carl Brase, Esther Sweeney).  

   A memorial service for JoAnn will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, January 19, 2024, at St John Lutheran Church in Alma, Kansas. A visitation will be held on January 18, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at St John Lutheran Church in Alma, Kansas.  Burial will be scheduled at a later date.  Donations may be made to St John Lutheran School, Church, or the Wabaunsee County 4-H Fair Association Alma Kansas and can be left in the care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, PO Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.