Mrs. Marguerite Joann Hanna, 87, of Warrensburg, MO passed away overnight on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at her home on Mitchell street.
She was born on December 29, 1936 in Warrensburg, MO, the daughter of Dr. Robert Lee Cooper and Mrs. Marguerite Cooper, growing up on the 400 block of West Gay street.
Joann attended Warrensburg Public Schools, where she met her husband, Dr. Hugh Allen Hanna, both graduating from Warrensburg High School in 1954.
On May 31, 1959, Joann married her high school sweetheart in Warrensburg at her parent’s home at 411 West Gay St. They were married for 50 years before Hugh’s passing on February 9, 2010 after losing his battle with cancer.
Growing up, Joann was remembered as the most exciting, energetic, and friendly kid on the block. She was friends with everyone, no matter their background. She enjoyed running the neighborhood while (occasionally) skipping class and piano lessons to go to the local burger joint, Hart’s, for a hamburger and a co*ke.
Joann attended Central Missouri State University (now UCM) before transferring to the University of Kansas Nursing program following Hugh’s Medical Doctorate (and fresh orange juice paired with homemade cinnamon rolls). She graduated from KU with her registered nursing degree and worked for a short period of time as a nurse in the psychiatry unit.
In 1962, she and Hugh moved for his training to Phoenix, AZ; Denver, CO; and Columbia, MO before returning to Warrensburg in 1967, where they resided for the rest of their lives. During this time, Joann had three sons – Stephen Allen Hanna, Michael Allen Hanna, and Jeffery Allen Hanna.
As Hugh developed his surgical practice and real-estate endeavors in Warrensburg, Joann actively pursued the calling to give back to the community. At the time, she had a dear friend who had lost her husband and was new to the Warrensburg community from Air Force re-location. Joann felt creating a women’s group would be a great way to help gain friends and bring the community around her together. On January 11, 1995 the “Warrensburg Darlings Over 40” (AKA the WD-40s) met at the University Inn drawing a crowd of 95 women. As the founding member, her goal was to encourage everyone to meet new people, no matter their age, interest or background. The WD-40s name was derived from a similar local social group for men – ‘The Rusty Zippers’ – where the WD-40s aimed this play on words to help grease the Rusty Zippers. Since it’s founding, WD-40s have met every Wednesday for 29 years, and the group still travels together across the region to live shows, events, movies, and other fun activities. Their favorite trips include attending plays in Arrow Rock, traveling to Branson for extended trips, and attending the dinner theatre in Kansas City. The message of sisterhood through the WD-40s lives on, with 25-30 members attending on a regular basis, including what Joann affectionately termed, ‘The A-Team,’ which consisted of a close-knit group that would travel in her car weekly.
Outside of the WD-40s, Joann was an avid T.V. watcher and a loyal fan and donor to her athletic teams, including the local Warrensburg Tigers, Central Missouri Mules and Jennies, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and Kansas Jayhawks. She and her family would travel across the country to attend such sporting events in addition to watching her grandkids play basketball and volleyball in high school, college, and on the AAU circuit.
However, her absolute favorite pastime was being surrounded by family and loved ones on a cloudy, less than 66 degree day in the early spring or late fall. She encouraged friendship, education and unity. In the end, she was the focal point of the family and could always be relied on to provide an open ear, a smile, and a laugh. Anyone who knew Joann, also knew her kitchen was a 24-7 revolving door, serving anyone who entered, day or night. As she grew older, she loved nothing more than spending time with her friends, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her brother Dr. Robert Cooper and three sons, Stephen Allen Hanna and wife, Sherrilyn; Dr. Michael Allen Hanna and wife, Anne; and Jeffery Allen Hanna and wife, Donna. Joann has four grandchildren, Dr. Joshua Allen Hanna; Marguerite Frances Lewis (Hanna); Juliane Aileen Ciske (Hanna); and Dr. Nicholas Michael Hanna. Additionally, Joann has three great-grandchildren, Aubrey Michael Hanna; Barrett Kruse Hanna; and Christian Hugh Hanna. Joann has also been blessed with several additional grandchildren through marriage.
She is preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Funeral services will be held at 11AM on July 6, 2024 at Northside Christian Church, officiated by Pastor Sid Tiller, under the services of Williams Funeral Home, followed by interment in Sunset Hills Cemetery. The family will receive friends, one hour prior to service, Saturday at the church. Immediately after the burial, the Hanna Family will host a Celebration of Life Gathering for all to join to reflect and reminisce on our fondest memories of Joann.
Flowers will be provided by All A’ Bloom in Lees Summit, MO.
A special thanks to those who have cared for Joann Hanna – Tracy Harper and Jaele Barnes Shaver.
Pallbearers are Stephen Allen Hanna, Dr. Michael Allen Hanna, Jeffery Allen Hanna, Dr. Joshua Allen Hanna, Dr. Nicholas Michael Hanna, and Troy Hockersmith.
Honorary Pallbearers are Dr. Danny Smith, Mr. Chuck Simmons, Judy Wickham, Dorothy Ridge, Minnie Patrick, Theresa Horner, and the rest of the WD-40s – both living and deceased.
Warrensburg High School Class of 54’ Yearbook: “Acts like an angel, looks like one too – but you never can tell what an angel will do.”
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