Joann Keeling

JoAnn Keeling peacefully passed away July 20, 2023 in Overland Park, KS. Born on November 12th in Joplin, MO, JoAnn lived a life of passion and adventure in her 90 years. She married her husband of 49 years, Elisha "Bud" Keeling, whom she married just two weeks after meeting him. Elisha asked for her hand in marriage after one week of seeing each other, but she suggested one more week "just to be sure." They went on to have three beautiful children and live a wonderful life together, first traveling for Bud's military career and later moving to Topeka, KS where she and Bud pastored a small church community in Dover, KS, Mission Creek Assembly. A fierce woman of God, JoAnn relished her role in the church working in children's ministries and sharing her love of Jesus to everyone in every aspect of her life. Her love for teaching children reached beyond the church where she taught at a Head Start in Topeka for many years.

Ever the adventure seeker, JoAnn married Charles Shaw, who preceded her in death, late in life and moved to Branson, MO where she made many friends and lived for nine years. She moved home to Topeka and continued to pour kindness, love, and lots of fun memories into her friends and family for many years until moving to Lamar Court in Overland Park, KS and charming all who met her there. She served as a facility ambassador for a time and especially enjoyed making and eating meals and sharing in conversation with her friends.

People were important to JoAnn, and she knew how to love them well. They never stayed strangers for long and she had a gift of accepting and encouraging everyone she encountered. She loved throwing parties for her friends and family to share stories and eat home cooked meals. Any one who stepped foot into her house knew it was a home. There was always room at the table and a place in her heart for you. JoAnn lived a full, good life and will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.

She is survived by her daughters Sherry Greene, Tamara Turntine, daughter-in-law Teresa Keeling, brother Jim Moore (Debbie), grandchildren Terra Taylor, David (Meghan) Ford, Shane Keeling, Christa Keeling, Seth (Nancy) Keeling, Jourdan (Michael) Holmes, Samuel (Michaela) Turntine, nine great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

JoAnn is preceded in death by her husband Elisha Keeling, son Terry Keeling, son-in-law Jerry Greene, and son-in-law Bud Turntine.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held at Lamar Court (11909 Lamar Ave, Overland Park, KS 66209), August 7th at 2:00 pm followed by an additional celebration of life reception in Topeka, Kansas at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) and sent in care to, 303 East Wacker Drive, Suite 2300, Chicago, IL 60601-5224; or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.