Joanne S. Spainhower

Joanne S. Spainhower, 92, of Raymore, Mo., passed away Friday, March 20, 2020. She was ushered into the Kingdom of Heaven by a throng of saints who have gone before her. She was born on September 14, 1927, in Ada, Oklahoma to Elmer H. Steanson and Helen Dovell Steanson. Her paternal grandfather, Halvor Steanson, Norwegian by birth, was an 89er, taking part in the Land Rush in Oklahoma of 1889. Joanne's maternal grandfather, Dr. John C. Dovell, was a pioneer Indian territory doctor and a medical missionary doctor in the Belgian Congo for three years. Joanne attended the Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasaw, Okla. and Oklahoma State University, where she was awarded a degree in Home Economics. On June 10, 1950, she married James I. Spainhower in Ponca City, Okla. They were married for 68 years. She was first and foremost a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She maintained close friendships made during her junior high, high school, and college years, as well as those developed as she supported Jim in his pastoral, political and higher education professional capacities. She is fondly remembered for her grace, compassion, generosity, wisdom, meditative back rubs for her grandchildren, and her abundant sense of humor. She had an inquisitive mind and was a supporter of numerous charitable groups and social movements. Her intellect and quest for knowledge of current affairs was ever evolving, and she loved (and lived) to watch as many MU basketball games as possible. Her granddaughter, Kate, provided her with a comprehensive list of game times and what channels were airing the games. She was a faithful and tireless caregiver to her husband in the latter years of his life, and was an active member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Lexington, Ky., Marshall, Mo., Jefferson City, Mo., St. Charles, Mo., Creve Coeur, Mo., Rogers, Ark. and Raymore, Mo. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Ron Martin, Overland Park, Kan., and her son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Anne-Marie Spainhower, Jefferson City, Mo.; three grandchildren, Kate and Tyler Martin, and Theckla Spainhower, and her great-granddaughter, Estes Martin, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and life long friends. At this time, no memorial service will be held. If so desired, memorial gifts may be made to Habitat for Humanity, Heifer International or The Fellowship of John at Foxwood Springs (a Brookdale Community), Raymore, Mo. Arrangements are under the direction of Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278