Joanne Eiken

Mrs. Joanne "Joey" M. Eiken, age 80 years, of Centertown, Mo., passed away Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at her home. She was born on January 25, 1931, in Cole Junction Bottom, Mo., a daughter of the late Leo and Emma (Schnieders) Rackers. She was married on August 21, 1951, at St. Peters Church, to Ralph H. Eiken, who survives at the home. Joanne graduated from St. Peters High School in 1949, and has been a resident of the St. Martins community since 1951. Joanne worked for Employment Security before going into self-employment with her husband hauling milk for five years. She was also a school bus driver with Sitton Transportation for nine years. Her greatest employment achievement was working for the Cole County Sheriff's Department, retiring as a Deputy in 1992. Joanne had a great sense of humor and loved spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoyed playing cards and games, working crossword and jigsaw puzzles, dancing, bowling, gambling, and all outdoor activities. Survivors include: her husband of 59 years, Ralph Eiken; three sons, Marvin Eiken (wife, Jane) of Centertown, Mo., Glen Eiken (wife, Debbie) of Holts Summit, Mo., and Rusty Eiken of Branson, Mo.; two daughters, Janet Samson (husband, Richard) of Centertown, Mo. and Diane Jordan of Seattle, Wash.; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, three sisters, and two brothers-in-law. Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 12, 2011, at Freeman Mortuary with a prayer service to be conducted at 3:30 p.m. in the Freeman Chapel. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m., Friday, May 13, 2011, at St. Martins Catholic Church with the Reverend Ed Schmidt officiating. Interment will be conducted at St. Martins Catholic Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice Compassus or St. Martins Catholic School Building Fund. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com