Joanne M. Eller

JoAnne was born March 25, 1932 in Kansas City, MO to Ralph & Elizabeth Fisher. She attended Lillis High School and graduated in 1948. She then met her future husband, LeRoy “Jack” Eller and the two were married in 1952. JoAnne worked at Butler Manufacturing before moving to St. Mary’s Hospital, Trinity Lutheran and Research Medical Center, working in Plant Operations at each. She was most proud of her Catholic faith and became a Benedictine Oblate. She was a member St. Stephens Catholic Church (Our Lady of Peace), Nativity of Mary and St. Mark’s Catholic Churches.

Joanne’s passions in life were her 4 children. Later in life she enjoyed being an Eucharistic Minister to Catholic nursing homes and hospitals throughout the area with her “Prayer Dog” Katie Marie. She was also known as the “Candy Lady” taking candy and treats to inner-City Nursing homes on a monthly basis. JoAnne was very proud of her Irish heritage, making 10 trips to Ireland to tour, visit family friends and making new friends. She was a fierce shopper, always looking for the best deals possible. She also was a regular in Branson going to the Daniel O’Donnell shows yearly. Another of Joanne’s passions, throughout her life, was baking. Joanne was featured in “Come into my Kitchen” in the Kansas City Star. Her most famous recipe was chocolate peanut butter fudge, a popular request by many fire stations in KC. She loved being a grandmother and great grandmother and making a difference in each of her children’s lives.

Joanne was proceeded in death by her parents; sister, Margaret Corbitt; brother, Charles M. Fisher and her husband of 60 years, Jack Eller. She leaves behind her daughter, Mary Sue Hodes of Lee’s Summit and sons, Michael Eller of Kansas City, John Eller (Cheryl) of Lee’s Summit and Stephen Eller (Sandra) of Napoleon, MO. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

The Rosary will be Friday, February 7th at 5:30 pm with visitation following from 6-8pm at the McGilley & Sheil Chapel, 11924 E. 47th St., KCMO 64133. Funeral Mass will be 10am Saturday, February 8th at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church, 10010 E. 40HWY, Independence, MO 64053. Inurnment following in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests contributions to the Bishop Sullivan Center.