Joanne Higbee

Joanne Higbee had a lot to prove to this world. When she was just 16 years old, a tragic auto accident left her paralyzed from the waist down and threatened to shorten her life. According to medical professionals at the time, her estimated life expectancy was a paltry 15 additional years. Stubborn as she was, she mentally said, “What do doctors know, anyway?” Most recently, when daughter Hilary called a physician’s office to request some needed information, the doctor expressed amazement that, at 81, Joanne was still alive. He clearly didn’t know Joanne’s damaged spine (and her determined spirit) was made of steel. She proved to the world that you don’t need the use of your legs to run this race called life. She not only ran the race brilliantly, she crushed it.

Joanne, a junior in high school at the time of her accident, was a pioneer in remote learning, completing her junior year in high school while in the hospital. She returned to Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas to complete her senior year in person, being voted homecoming queen by her peers. She continued her studies at Kansas City Kansas Community College and was charmed by the handsome, humorous, and sweet fellow-student who volunteered to chauffeur her to and from school, Jimmie Joe Higbee. Jim and Joanne married in 1962 and shared over 58 years of marriage before Jim predeceased her in 2020. Together, Jim and Joanne raised three accomplished, caring, and beautiful daughters, Holly Stack of Effingham, Illinois, Hilary Trumble of Kansas City, Missouri, and Helene Higbee (Greg Woolford) of Auckland, New Zealand.

Always a critical thinker and life-long learner, Joanne took personal development to a new level. She was a voracious reader, always having a novel or work of non-fiction close at hand, even up until her last days. Her books took her on trips around the world in substitution for the travel for which she yearned. An avid lover of history, literature and poetry, Joanne also dabbled in writing herself, penning short stories and at one time authored a newspaper column in which she made lighthearted observances of the everyday life of a wife and mother. Taking a sabbatical to have her children after Kansas City Kansas Community College, Joanne later completed her B.A. at the University of Kansas all while raising her three young daughters. Tell me, how do you chase a toddler in a wheelchair?

Joanne was an astute political observer with a strong moral compass and independent mind who rarely, if ever, failed to have an opinion on a newsworthy event. In her final days, her mental competence was never in question, as evidenced by her questions such as, “Is Trump in jail yet?” She was a feminist long before it was in vogue (albeit she never described herself as such). In fact, in planning her own memorial service, Joanne deftly slipped in a biblical passage demonstrating the power of a woman.

Joanne always lived just this side of heaven, being an angel to those who needed advice, a kind word or moral support. She lived with a deep, abiding faith in God, always believing in Her even when it was hard to keep faith. And to all who knew her, Joanne is a hero, a role model who inspired everyone with her courage and strength of character, always resilient, persevering despite all obstacles, reaching higher and living life to succeed in ways that are considered exceptional for a person who didn’t have the challenges she faced.

In addition to her daughters, Joanne is adored by her phenomenal grandchildren, Chelsea Heppner (Ryan), D.J. Stack (Alexis), Jenna-Marie Wright, Ryan Yearout, Mack Trumble (Sarah), Harrison Woolford, Madeline Woolford, and great-grandchildren, Blakely Yearout, Berkley Yearout, and Jaxon Heppner.

Joanne, the fourth of ten children born to Alex and Catherine Subelka, both of whom predeceased her, was the glue that held the family together. She loved family get-togethers, and laughed at the family’s self-effacing motto, “We put the fun in dysfunctional.” Everyone in the family gravitated toward Joanne, especially every toddler in the family who beamed with pride getting a ride on her wheelchair.

She will be greatly missed by her brother, Lawrence Subelka (Cheryl Gaster) and her BFF sisters Kathleen Renczarski (the late Al), Teresa Nuccio (John), Christine Marks (Bill), and Elizabeth Rebeck (George). Brothers, Stanley Subelka, Joseph Subelka, Frank Subelka and sister, Mary Lou Hoover predeceased her. A multitude (too many to count) of nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews celebrate her life and legacy.

Joanne was the best mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend and role model. To honor her memory, remain true to your higher principles, be an angel to someone who needs your help. Or follow Joanne’s lead and take a risk, get up and keep trying even when life throws roadblocks at you. Go back to school, go after that degree or career, or take the road less traveled. Most importantly, defy the odds and show the world what you’re made of.

A memorial mass of christian burial for Joanne will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3024 North 53 St, Kansas City, KS 66104. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chapelhill-butler.com for the Higbee family.