In Remembrance Of
JoAnne Lizar
JoAnne Lizar-Rice peacefully entered God’s loving embrace on Wednesday, April 7. JoAnne was born on June 14, 1931 in Perrin, MO., and lived in the surrounding area her entire life.
JoAnne was preceded in death by her first husband Jack Lizar in 2001, her son Bobby Lizar in 1989 and her daughter Teresa in 2010, siblings John Bill, Bobby, and Lorraine, brothers-in-law Bob Lizar and Sidney Willens, sisters-in-law Olive and Jeanne, and JoAnne’s parents, John and Mary Golden and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jewell and Bessie Lizar.
JoAnne graduated from Plattsburg High School in 1948 where she was homecoming queen and the drum majorette. She was married to her high school sweetheart, Jack, on September 2, 1950. JoAnne and Jack exemplified the best of what a marriage should be for 51 years. They raised five children together. JoAnne married again on June 7, 2008 to Robert Rice of Kearney.
JoAnne began her business career in the FBI offices in Kansas City. After moving to the Smithville area in 1969 she continued her career at Spelman Hospital, remaining there until she retired as the hospitals administrative executive secretary in 1988.
JoAnne enjoyed a very active retirement and supported several volunteer organizations serving her community. As a cancer survivor, she was active in the Reach for Recovery program helping other women recovering from breast cancer. She also enjoyed being a member of St. Luke’s Auxiliary and the Beta Sigma Phi sorority. JoAnne was an active member of the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, serving as a Eucharistic minister, lector and with the Altar Society. She and Jack, along with the "uncouth group", were instrumental in establishing the Catholic Church in Smithville and in getting the original church built.
JoAnne is survived by her husband Robert Rice, children Mary Lizar, Lisa Barber and husband John, John Lizar and wife Gabriele, her Swedish son Ove, grandchildren Jonnae, Jason, Robert, Jacquelynn and Joshua, great grandchildren Harper and Rhett. Siblings Vince Golden, Rita Vinlove and Gerald Golden, Sister-in-law Marion Lizar. JoAnne is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
JoAnne was a lover of sweets, especially the Mr. Goodbar. Her eyes would light up whenever she would see that yellow wrapper sticking out of a bag. She also loved a good slice of pie and loved listening and dancing to all kinds of music, earning the title of "Mamacita" after winning a dance contest. The life she lived was one filled with love, faith, family and friends. She will be greatly missed by so many that loved her smile and her gentle ways.
The family requests donations to the Julia Bargman Hope Foundation or the Good Shepherd Catholic Church music department. Visitation: 4:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 11th at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Smithville.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 12th at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Smithville, MO.
Burial: Resurrection Cemetery, Kansas City, MO.Arrangements, Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville.
Visitation: 4:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 11th at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Smithville.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 12th at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Smithville, MO.
Burial: Resurrection Cemetery, Kansas City, MO.
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Comments & condolences
9 comments
Robin Elaine Wright
To the whole family but especially to Mary,my dearest client and friend. I just want to express to you how sorry i am for your loss, although it’s been almost a whole year. It was wonderful to read about JoAnne’s life, especially the dancing and fun.
Mary Kay (Ruhnke) Anderson
In the 1950s, I worked for Jack and Joanne when they owned and operated the grocery store in
Trimble. I have such fond memories of both of them and Jewell and Bessie, too. Joanne and Jack
were some of my favorite people. I send my sincere sympathy to Joanne’s family.
Maureen Vrlicak
Offering my heartfelt sorrow to my extended family on the passing of such a beautiful, loving, happy and generous woman – my friend, JoAnne. I have so many good memories of being with your family and the love, joy and unconditional acceptance I always enjoyed during our times together. JoAnne was the nucleus of that close family with a tender heart and joyful spirit that endured the years. I have missed being able to visit her in recent years, but have never forgotten the wonderful person she was and the great times we shared over many years! Even after all these years ((Mary – we are the same age) I’ve never forgotten the Lizar’s phone number from when we were kids and into adulthood! That’s probably all I remember, but it must be some kind of testimony to the close bond our families have shared. I will miss you JoAnne – Rest in the arms of Jesus!
Chris Stirlen
Mrs. Lizar was such a nice lady…a great mom to my classmates Bobby and Ove. I’ll miss her smile as I have missed Bobby’s all these years.
Bill Hillix
One of the nicest ladies I ever met.
Please Lord provide her with a great view.
Richard Cox
Sorry for your loss. She was a very sweet lady. The family will be in our prayers.
john Francis Golden
I always like talking to Joanne at the yearly Smithville lake “Golden Reunion” party’s she always had a smile on her face and always made you feel welcomed. she will be missed
my condolences to the family
Hila Foster
She was a wonderful lady. We had so much fun
in the Aux. and our children going to school together.
I loved her so much.
Gerrie Collier
She was one wonderful friend. We were same age and enjoyed our talks with one another.