Mary Joann Sturdy

JoAnn Sturdy, 85, of Greenfield, died Sunday, March 5, 2023, at her home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 10 at the Greenfield United Methodist Church with Pastor Karen Patrick officiating. Burial will be in the Greenfield Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the church following the service. Open visitation will be 3-7 p.m. with family greeting friends 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 9 at the Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield.

Memorials may be directed to the Joann Sturdy Memorial Fund to be established by the family at a later date. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com. The Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield is in charge of the professional arrangements.

Mary JoAnn (Johnson) Sturdy was born Aug. 14, 1937, at the family farm in Washington Township in Adair County. She was the only girl born to Tom and Fannie (Bloom) Johnson. She was welcomed home by her brother Leland who was just one year older and then brother Larry was born the following year.

JoAnn enjoyed time with her dolls and farm animals and spent many hours playing outside on the homestead with her brothers. In high school, JoAnn was the valedictorian of her class. Right after high school JoAnn completed the Mercy College of Nursing and graduated fourth in her class. She graduated in 1958 and retired in 2008. She wanted to make it 50 years as a nurse before she retired. She was so proud of being a nurse. JoAnn worked in Iowa and Minnesota at rural hospitals and local nursing homes as an RN.

JoAnn was married to John Sturdy of rural Fontanelle shortly after he got out of the Air Force. They had four children: Mike, Diane, Mary Shannon and Eva Marie.

JoAnn was a member of the Avondale Church and their Sunshine Club. She participated in their annual Christmas program and Fall Supper/Bazaar.

JoAnn enjoyed reading and collected many cook books. JoAnn was a lifelong learner and was always curious and interested in gaining knowledge. JoAnn enjoyed all kinds of music and frequently listened to favorite radio shows and CD’s.

Her children were always told how nice and kind JoAnn was. She touched so many lives in our community and people continue to share about how much they enjoyed her company and remark on her genuine kindness.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her daughter Diane; parents Tom and Fannie and brother Larry.

JoAnn is survived by brother Leland (Roberta) Johnson; son Mike (Laura) and their children Avery and Will; daughter Mary (Mick) Sturdy-Martin and their children Michael, Paige (Clint) Goetz, their son Hayden and Johannah; daughter Eva (Jay) Sturdy-Hess; many other friends and family.