Joan Gaddis

Joan D. Gaddis was born February 12, 1932, near Macon, Nebraska, to Herman H. and Della (Silverants) Saathoff. She passed from this life on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at her home at the age of 77.She attended Macon Country School District through the sixth grade and graduated on May 27, 1946, from the Eighth Grade from Franklin Public Schools, District 33. Jo grew up in the Franklin area until she was 17, at which time she met her future partner in life, Irvin Gaddis, at the Osborne County Fair in the summer of 1948. They were united in marriage on July 24, 1949, at the Methodist Church in Franklin, Nebraska. They had one daughter, Nancy Barkman.

Soon after they were married, life took Jo and family on a long journey ranging from living in post war Texas to the mountains of Colorado, only to return home to her small town rural roots of Cedar, Kansas. In January of 1973 her eldest grandson, Shane, was born and in November 1976 a second grandson, Cory joined them. She lived in Kansas for the majority of her later years watching her grandsons, as well as multiple nieces and nephews grow from babies into adulthood.

In addition to being a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Jo took great pride in raising and training greyhounds for racing. Her dogs could be found on several racetracks throughout the United States. Anyone who visited Jo knew she collected mice figurines, which started when she received her first collectable in 1975 from a family member. Over the years, she accumulated thousands of different mice. She also enjoyed crocheting, quilting, crafting, gardening, cooking, and helping others. Jo's cafe was open every Saturday morning for family fellowship and a delicious meal. Everyone always knew where to stop for a fresh cup of coffee and a piece of cake. She truly loved her family and friends.

Jo was a member of the United Methodist Church where she was baptized and confirmed. Jo was an active member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Franklin. She readily volunteered at the Assisted Living Center in Franklin.

Jo is survived by her daughter, Nancy Barkman of Bay City, Texas; brothers, Harold Saathoff and his wife Beth, and Gerald Saathoff of Franklin, Nebraska; Larry Saathoff of Shelton, NE; sisters Carolyn Sturtevant of Hastings, Nebraska, and Kathy Hunnicutt of Shelton, Nebraska; sister-in-law Norma Saathoff of Hastings; and two grandsons, Shane Barkman of Orlando, Florida and Cory Barkman and wife Anna of Seattle, Washington; She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews whom all played an important role in her ever loving life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Irvin; brothers John, Richard, Bob and Dick; sister-in-laws Margaret and June Saathoff; brother-in laws Jerry Sturtevant and Dave Hunnicutt.

Memorial services will be at Cedar Cemetery, Cedar, Kansas with Rev. Herman Keen officiating. There will be no visitation as the body was cremated. The family suggests memorials to Good Samaritan Home Care Services or Franklin Senior Citizens Center in care of the funeral home.