Springfield, Neb., residents of a certain age will remember "The Avon Lady," Joanne Latham, who passed away at Louisville Care Center on July 20, 2022, at the age of 87. Joanne, who sold Avon in the area for over 40 years, joins her husband John Latham, parents Ted and Laura Pelzer, sister Laureen Gibson, and two brothers-in-law, who preceded her in death.
Born on Sept. 16, 1934, Joanne attended country schools in Sarpy County before graduating in 1952 from Springfield High School, where she was class valedictorian. She worked in Omaha, Neb., before her marriage to John Latham, in 1953. The couple celebrated the birth of their daughter LaVonne in 1955 and son Jerry in 1959. Joanne worked as a bookkeeper for the family business, J & J Supply, and sold Avon in the following years. A top saleswoman, she won numerous prizes and awards, including a trip to Hawaii in 1983.
A member of Springfield's First Methodist Church, Joanne will be remembered for her infectious laugh and fashion accessories. She loved dogs, babies, chocolate, and her family. Joanne is survived by her daughter LaVonne (Gene) Hanlon of Lincoln, Neb.; son Jerry (Sandy) Latham of Springfield, Neb.; three grandsons, Jesse Latham of Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia, and Brian and Brendan Hanlon of Lincoln, Neb.; granddaughter Ashley (Tyler) Petersen of Gretna, Neb.; sister-in-law Marilyn Arnold of Omaha, Neb.; and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at Springfield First United Methodist Church, 480 Main St., Springfield, Neb.; at 10:30 am., July 25, 2022. Her final resting place will be at Springfield Cemetery, Springfield, Neb. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Springfield Memorial Library or Springfield Volunteer Fire Department.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.KahlerDolceMortuary.com for the Latham family.
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