JoAnn Cloninger, 82, passed away Dec. 11, 2022.
She was born on Dec. 21, 1939, to Alfonso and Catherine Murphy Navarro and lived in Overland Park, Kansas, her entire life. JoAnn went to St. Joseph High School, where she was active in Varsity Cheerleading, Pep Club, and Theatre. She then attended St. Teresa's Academy, where she was active in the Senior Business Employment Club and was crowned Homecoming Queen Attendant at Rockhurst High. After graduating in 1957, she attended the University of Kansas with the love of her life, Jerry Cloninger. They married on Oct. 29, 1960, and were blessed with two children as they built a wonderful life together, which spanned fifty years.
JoAnn had a successful career with Tupperware for over 55 years. She received recognition for Sales Dealer of the Year on several occasions and earned many trips, merchandise, and awards. She volunteered for several school activities, from PTA to Camp Fire Girls and Scouts to Cheerleading and Football. JoAnn was also a Founding Member of the Sigma Chi Mom's Club at Pittsburg State University. The consummate cheerleader, JoAnn, also loved attending her grandkids' activities. Jerry and JoAnn spent years camping and decades at their lake house at the Lake of the Ozarks. They hosted friends and family and enjoyed boating and skiing. As an avid needle pointer, JoAnn was a proud member of the Greater Kansas City Needlepoint Guild. She stayed very active with St. Teresa's Academy and recently attended her 65th high school class reunion. She also loved cheering on her Jayhawks.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jerry, brother Joe, and sister Nena.
She is survived by her son, Craig (Mindy) Cloninger of Pittsburg; daughter, Krina Cloninger Snider of Peculiar, Missouri; and her four grandchildren, Jake (Randi) Cloninger, Hank Cloninger, Drew Snider, and Emma Snider; plus her two great-granddaughters.
Services will be held at the Curé of Ars Catholic Church in Leawood, Kansas, on JoAnn's birthday Wednesday, Dec. 21, with visitation at 10 a.m., Rosary at 11:45 a.m., and Service with mass at noon, followed by burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. A live stream of the service will be available online at www.cureofars.com/funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in JoAnn's name to Saint Teresa's Academy.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleyhoge.com for the Cloninger family.
