It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that JoAnne Smith Willis, 98, passed away Wednesday, June 7, 2023; at Burwell, Nebraska. She was an amazing mom, grandma, and great-grandma. She was committed to her family in every way possible.

JoAnne spent her early years in Sioux City, Iowa, graduated from East High School, and after marriage, helped her husband, William Winchell, in his furniture store in South Sioux City, Nebraska.  After a series of moves, she lived in Park View, Iowa, for over 30 years where she worked for the Davenport Bank.  She was a devoted gardener, people watcher, Lutheran, and friend. She was a P.E.O. member for over 60 years.

She is survived by three children from her first marriage, Cheryl (John) Rongish, Cathy (Stephen) Gies and Mark Winchell (Amina Zuma); 7 grandchildren, Carrie (Stephen) Johnstone, Christopher (Holly) Rongish, Cassandra (Craig) Alley, Elizabeth (Robert) Krussow, Michaela Winchell (Jesse Wittfoth), Aizek Winchell (Nathaniel Zylbermann) and Mariah Winchell; 6 great-grandchildren, Nathan and Noah Johnstone, Louis and Thomas Krussow, and Ira and Sloan Winchell-Wittfoth; and step-great-grandchildren, McKinnon and Tanner Egger.

JoAnne was preceded in death by her parents, George and Marie (Iversen) Smith; sister, Patricia Ludwig; first husband, William Winchell; second husband, Edwin Day; and third husband, Raymond Willis.

Her family expresses their heartfelt appreciation of care by the staff at CMHC in Burwell, Nebraska and Valley County Hospice. We also give thanks to Morningside Lutheran Church in Sioux City, Iowa, for helping our family at this difficult time.

A celebration of JoAnne's life will take place in Sioux City, Iowa, with Graveside Services and Interment at Memorial Park Cemetery on Tuesday, June 13, 2023; at 1:00 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to Burwell Community Memorial Health Center and P.E.O. International Educational Loan Fund.