Joanne H. Teeter

JoAnne Teeter, beloved matriarch of her family, passed away on Wednesday, August 14, on her 70th wedding anniversary to husband Stanley Teeter. Three days before her death, Jody and Stan were honored at a party where more than 120 friends and family offered tributes about their lives and marriage.

JoAnne was born on December 1, 1933, in Phoenix, Arizona, the oldest child of John and Alice Harper. She grew up with a strong work ethic: She collected tin cans in back alleys and planted seedlings for her father’s nursery business. While her parents worked, she cared for her brother and made dinner for the family.

In high school, she asked Stan, her future husband, to a Sadie Hawkins dance. This began a long partnership of mutual respect and understanding—her sharp wit and strong opinions paired well with his steadfast loyalty and quiet intelligence. Together, they raised a family of four; devoted time, energy, and resources to their community; and traveled the world.

While dating Stan, Jody attended Arizona State University, and completed her degree in education in just three years. Jody and Stan then married. They lived in Fort Collins, Colorado, where Jody worked as a kindergarten teacher while Stan attended veterinary school. They initially settled back in Arizona and spent many happy times with family at their cabin north of Phoenix. However, Stan’s military service took them to Forbes Air Force base in Topeka, Kansas, where they eventually settled permanently.

Jody became a valued member of her community. She was involved in nearly all of her children’s activities, and she shared her considerable leadership skills working with several charitable organizations, most notably the Ronald McDonald house and Topeka North Outreach. Throughout her life she was a patron of the arts: She served on the boards of the Topeka Public Library and Topeka Symphony Orchestra, and she and Stan donated the building for the North Topeka Arts Center, and provided support for the NOTO district. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church, canoeing for miles on youth fellowship trips and attending bible study groups, as well as working on staff there for several years.

Jody loved to read—when she passed away she had six library books checked out. She was proud of having traveled to every continent except Antarctica; she safaried in Africa, attended a wedding in Sweden, and saw the Great Wall in China. Jody was also creative and artistic: She was an accomplished pianist and painter. She knitted sweaters and Christmas stockings, sewed Halloween costumes for her children, and absolutely loved to cook and entertain. She leaves behind a trove of treasured recipes—chicken enchiladas, cowboy cookies, and so many more—that her family members will never make without thinking of her.

At Christmas time, her house was the essence of warmth and festivity, filled with decorations and towers of cookies. She remembered every grandchild’s favorite dessert. Most of all, Jody was proud and supportive of her large family, which included 13 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren at the time of her passing.

Jody never lost her sharp wit or occasional sharp tongue. She enjoyed playing bridge throughout her life—she had a game scheduled on the day of her death. She served as a champion, confidante, and adviser to her children and grandkids. She was also a trooper until the very end of her life—even long after she struggled with mobility, she attended most grandkid’s weddings and college graduations.

JoAnne is survived by her husband Stanley Teeter, her four children Scott Teeter (Peg McCarthy), Wayne Teeter (Cathy), Marilyn Disch, and Carolyn DeSalvo (Frank). She was preceded in death by her parents, Alice and John Harper, and her brother, John Harper (Adele).

Her family can think of no better memorial than the anniversary party just celebrated. Therefore, she will be laid to rest in a private graveside service. Those wishing to honor her great legacy are invited to contribute to one of the many charities she supported, First United Methodist Church, the Children’s Service League, or the NOTO Arts District.

To leave a message for her family online, please visit the guestbook below.