Joan Honeyman-Rardin

Joan "Jodie"(Boyle) Honeyman Rardin

Jodie Rardin was not famous in Topeka, but she was the kind of person that makes Topeka famous – famous for it's friendly, kind, honest, hard-working, mid-Western residents. When she passed away on October 5, 2012, Topeka lost a fine member of its community.

Born in Ft. Scott, KS on January 12, 1926 to Blair Boyle and Ethel Hamilton Boyle, Jodie was the third of four girls. Sisters Martha Shell, Jean Tennant, and Nancy Farmer preceded her in death. Her parents moved to Topeka where she was raised in the family home at 125 Greenwood in the Potwin neighborhood. Jodie graduated from Topeka High and went on to study English at Washburn University. There she met her first husband, Judge Bill G. Honeyman, to whom she was married until his death in 1985. During her time at Washburn, Jodie was a cheerleader and joined the Delta Gamma sorority. She served as president of DG during her college years and, later, of the alumnae chapter. She was also inducted into Nonoso, a Washburn alumnae honorary society.

Jodie was never one to sit idle. In addition to raising her three children, Blair, Bruce and Sarah, she was a very active participant in community life. As a younger woman, she worked as an interior decorator both at Tindall's Furniture Store and at Moore's Furniture Store. In her early years she attended First Presbyterian Church and, then as an adult, became a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir, played in the bell choir, and served as an elder. She dearly loved music of all genres, supporting the Topeka Jazz Workshop, Topeka Symphony Orchestra, and Topeka Opera Society. Not only did Jodie support the arts, she was a talented painter in her own right. She was a very social, loving, and giving person who enjoyed volunteering at community and civic events, organizing high school reunions, playing golf and bridge with her friends, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Jodie was married to Jack R. Rardin, whom she had known since high school, from 1987 until his death in 2009. Jodie and Jack traveled the globe together, visiting Europe and Asia several times, visiting family and friends along the way, and staying at Elderhostels all over the US. Jodie was well loved by Jack's children, Michael and Richard Rardin, and their spouses and children, who live in the St. Louis area.

Jodie is survived by Blair Honeyman and his wife Gwen (of Overland Park, KS), Bruce Honeyman and his wife Kirsten (of Fresno, CA), and Sarah Reding and her husband Rick (of Eudora, KS). Seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren also survive her.

A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 2:00 PM, at The Garden House (3720 SE Yacht Ct located on the east side of Ted Ensley Gardens at Lake Shawnee). Remembrances may be made to The American Cancer Society and the Brewster Place Foundation.

Penwell-Gabel Mid Town is assisting with arrangements.