JoAnn Karber

JoAnn grew up in Assaria on her family’s farm, with her brother, Bud, later graduating from Central High School in Salina. She married the father of her children, Barney J Karber, and the couple welcomed five children into the marriage.

JoAnn worked as a funeral assistant at Gillum Funeral Home in Gypsum and continued her care for families in the community as an assistant funeral director after her family’s purchase of the firm. She spent the majority of her career working as the head cook of Southeast of Saline schools and as a switchboard operator at Salina Regional Health Center, before her retirement.

JoAnn was a devoted mother and grandmother, an avid Avon sales consultant, a meticulous homemaker, and thoughtfully decorated every room in her home for each holiday and season. She was an active member of First Baptist Church, had a passion for crocheting, and spent countless hours playing cards and socializing with an ever-expanding circle of friends.

JoAnn is survived by her children, SueAnn (David) Brax of St. Louis, Glenda (Sam) Jenkins of Paris, TX, and Edward Karber of Denver; grandchildren, Curtis (Maranda) Kitchen of Olathe, Cyle (Corinn) Kitchen of Shawnee, Courtney (Chris) Armstrong of St. Louis, Becca Karber of Salina, and Nick Karber of Denver; six great-grandchildren, Caelyn, Caliana, Hadley, Carston, Parker, and Tess; and sister-in-law, Betty Coburn. She was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Marlin J; son, Ross Douglas Karber; and brother, William Coburn.

A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, August 4, 2019 at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church, 843 Lewis Ave, Salina, KS 67401, with visitation beginning at 1:30 pm. JoAnn will be laid to rest at All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Salina.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church or The Salina Senior Center’s Meals-on-Wheels program.