JoAnn Frances McArton, 87, of Overland Park, Kansas passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024. She will be forever remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to everyone she knew.
JoAnn was born in Deaconess Hospital in Grafton, North Dakota to Paul and Evelyn (Ososki) Altendorf. She attended and graduated from Crystal High School. After graduation, she continued her education earning her Associates Degree in Nursing at the University of South Dakota.
JoAnn lived her life giving back to others. She followed her dream and became a Registered Nurse and was always the first to volunteer when someone needed her help. She volunteered her time generously at her church and food pantries as well as being an ambassador at the places she lived. Her infectious laugh and big heart brought smiles to many over the years. She knew no strangers.
JoAnn, or “Jo” as many called her, enjoyed her family and was always there to help when the grandchildren required a babysitter, no matter how great the distance to get there. She enjoyed her fishing trips to Canada, camping, boating, traveling to different countries and especially her dogs and cats.
JoAnn never passed up the opportunity to play Blackjack or cards with her friends and family. She loved the Kansas City Chiefs and the many games and tailgates she attended. She was a long-time season ticket holder and was once recognized on the field at Arrowhead for her loyal support. She will be greatly missed.
JoAnn is preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Robert Andrew McArton, who passed away on December 4, 2022, and her parents Paul and Evelyn Altendorf. She is survived by her son Craig (Marilyn) McArton of Eureka, Missouri, two daughters Paula (Ron) Johnson of Olathe, Kansas and Kim (Paul) Thevarajoo of Summerville, South Carolina. Left behind to cherish her memory are her seven grandchildren Allison (Kira) McArton, Katie (Charles) Wilken, Ryan Johnson, Jesse Johnson, Morgan (Emily) Thevarajoo, Hannah Thevarajoo, Jasmine Thevarajoo (Wyatt Potter-Seymour) and her four great-grandchildren Calvin McArton, Rory McArton, Elle Wilken and Charlie Wilken. JoAnn also leaves behind four sisters Paula Borrero, Phyllis Brodeur, Janice Schmidt, Joyce VonFeldt and one brother, Paul Altendorf.
JoAnn will be cremated according to her wishes. A “Celebration of Life” will be held along with a private family Entombment at the Mountain View Cemetery in Mesa, Arizona on February 21, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions “In Memory of JoAnn McArton” may be made to Wayside Waifs Animal Shelter, 3901 Martha Truman Rd, Kansas City, MO 64137 or City Union Mission, 1100 East 11th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106.
Condolences may be offered at www.McGilley-Frye.com
