Service measured not by GOLD,
                           but by the GOLDEN RULE

Service measured not by GOLD,
          but by the GOLDEN RULE

330.262.7771

WOOSTER “ JoAnne Spitler, 76 of Wooster passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at Brookdale Assisted Living in Wooster.
She was born October 5, 1943 in Wooster the daughter of Vaughn and Mary Snell Soliday.   She married Edward J. Spitler on June 12, 1965.   He preceded her in death on August 6, 2006.
JoAnne had worked for 25 years in the cafeteria at Wooster City Schools and had also worked at Hawkins and the Hawksnest Golf Club.   She was a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ.
JoAnne loved God and Country Music, most especially Loretta Lynn.   She was a servant of God and her church.   All that she did, was with that commitment in her heart.   She was a devoted parent volunteer at Melrose, Edgewood and Wooster High School activities and events.   She was quite often seen running up and down the soccer field cheering on Jeff throughout his soccer career.
JoAnne ™s commitment to Trinity UCC included being a part of Consistory, Alter Guild, a Sunday school teacher, many mission trips to Biloxi, New Orleans and the Pine Ridge Reservation, as well as planning and cooking countless meals for the congregation and community at large.   Her heart and love for children drove her to advocate for a breakfast program during the summer months to ensure that the children that she served during the school year would also have a warm meal during the summer.   She, and several other moms started in 1995, what now serves children, families and individuals a hot meal each week day.
After retiring in 2007, JoAnne ran that program-pretty much full time, while also spending time weekly at the Habitat Store.   JoAnne was a dedicated LifeCare Hospice volunteer since 1997–spending time with patients, providing support in the office, and running medicines to families in need.  She also made the trip to Michigan several times a year to support Jennifer ™s work at Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteering at fundraising events.
JoAnne ™s care for others did not end there.   After moving to Brookdale Care Bridges in December 2016, JoAnne would welcome new residents, assist at mealtimes and care for the baby dolls by pushing them in strollers, cuddling and rocking them.
In the late 60 ™s JoAnne and two girlfriends, Helen and Marie, began County Music Round-up.   They worked year round preparing for the Wayne County Fair, creating clocks, plaques, and buttons among other things.   They played music, sold albums and provided a space under the Grandstand for artists to come sign autographs after the shows.   JoAnne was also a State Representative for the Loretta Lynn Fan Club in the 70 ™s and 80 ™s following her to shows all over the state and providing Fan Club newsletters and get togethers.
Her time with Loretta Lynn ™s Fan Club introduced her to the Johnson Sisters ”Lou, Loretta and Kay ”also the Presidents of International Fan Club Organizations (IFCO).   JoAnne became the monitor of this group, which by 1998 was advising and setting standards of operations for more than 375 clubs, ranging from appreciation societies for superstars to fledging support groups for obscure acts.   In 1968, the organization held its first fan oriented show and dinner as a part of the annual Disc Jockey Convention in Nashville.   From this modest start sprang Fan Fair, which debuted in 1972 and morphed into the CMA Music Festival in Nashville, TN.
Surviving is her daughter, Jennifer Spitler and her family Michael, Riley and Rianna Baker of Dexter, Michigan.   Her son Jeff Spitler of Wooster     .   Her step-daughters Karen Adkins, Pat Thiel and Tina Mowrer and their families.   Her brother and sisters Jerry Soliday, Janice Evans, Jackie Soliday and Jeanette Robison and many nieces, nephews and their families.
In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her parents.
Friends will be received on Saturday, August 29, 2020 from 2-6:00 p.m. at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the Trinity United Church of Christ parking lot under the tent.   Chairs will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own.   The funeral will also be livestreamed on the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Face Book page.
Burial will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at Canaan Cemetery.
In respect for JoAnne ™s love and caring for others, please do the same and adhere to social distancing and mask wearing requirements during the calling hours and services.   If you are uncomfortable with that, please stay home and stay safe.
Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Trinity United Church of Christ Breakfast Program, 150 E. North Street, Wooster, OH 44691.
The family would like to thank her Brookdale family for loving and caring for her for the three plus years, as well as the Hospice staff who assisted in her comfort and transition.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.

Memorial Contributions
Trinity United Church of Christ Breakfast Program, 150 E. North Street, Wooster, OH 44691.

Service
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the Trinity United Church of Christ parking lot under the tent.   Chairs will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own.   The funeral will also be livestreamed on the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Face Book page.   Burial will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at Canaan Cemetery.
In respect for JoAnne ™s love and caring for others, please do the same and adhere to social distancing and mask wearing requirements during the calling hours and services.   If you are uncomfortable with that, please stay home and stay safe.

Visitation
Saturday, August 29, 2020 from 2-6:00 p.m. at the funeral home

36 Comments

  1. Jeff and Jennifer and family (especially Jackie) – We are so sorry for your loss but glad Jo is free of her earthly bonds. Heaven is a livelier place now! Jo was such a kind and engaging person. We hold you close in our hearts during this time of sorrow.
    Kate and Tim Gallagher

    Reply
  2. Jeff and Jennifer, Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. I have so many good memories of her! She was one of the kindest and most helpful person I knew in Wooster. I know my son Will considered your parents as second parents. Prayers for all.

    Reply
  3. Sending love and condolences to Jen and your family. What a lovely obituary and legacy of love.

    Reply
  4. Sending much love and deepest condolences to you Jeff and your family. Your mom was much loved and I hope the warm memories of your happy times together can bring you some comfort during this time of sorrow. My thoughts are with you in prayer.

    Reply
  5. Jeff, I’m very sorry to read of your mom’s passing. May your memories guide you through this difficult time.

    Reply
  6. She will be missed and prayers for her family

    Reply
  7. Our condolences on the passing of your mother. Your love for her showed through In your posts. As much as she was a devoted mom,you certainly were a devoted son. Our prayers our with you

    Reply
  8. Jeff,
    I am sorry to hear that your mom passed away. May she Rest In Peace.

    Reply
  9. May God be with you and surround the family and friends with HIS comfort.

    Reply
  10. Hi Mr Jeff. Ed and I were very surprised to learn of your precious momma home going. We have admired your love and faithfulness to your momma who in her own way loved you back!God be near to you during this very rollercoaster emotional time. We will answer our door any time you need to talk and share a Dairy Queen. Hugs

    Reply
  11. Jeff & Jen, Jerry,Jan,Jackie,Jeanette and the rest of the family, our sincere condolence on your loss of Dear Jo, She was a special lady caring for many others.May Jesus wrap you all in his loving arms as he has done for Jo.

    Reply
  12. Jeff, please accept my heartfelt apology for not being able to attend your mom service.
    I will always remember her as the warm, outgoing dynamic person that she was. Hoping that you and Jen will find some comfort during this difficult time.

    Berni

    Reply
  13. Jackie, I am so sorry for the loss of your sister.

    Reply
  14. Jen and Jeff, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She always a warm smile and was so kind to my boys, Doug and Dennis at Trinity. May she rest in peace…take care, Dianne

    Reply
  15. Jen and Jeff,
    I will not be able to make it to calling hours but know that my thoughts are with you and that now you and your mother are at peace. Judy

    Reply
  16. so sad Jeff, to read it and know what it means to you. you’ll stand up straight again one day, but right now just let it come and know you hundreds of friends love you and are here to help.

    Reply
  17. I am a third cousin of JoAnne. I met her when she attended several of my birthday parties with her mother Mary who was my mother’s first cousin. I would visit with her when she worked at Hawk’s Nest when I played golf. I found her to be kind, considerate, and a diligent worker. I know she will be missed by her family but they must have many happy and loving memories. My kindest thouhts and prayers.

    Reply
  18. Jeff and Jenny,
    I am so sorry for the loss of your mom.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    I have such fond memories of your mom.
    What a wonderful lady!

    Reply
  19. Jeff sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. Prayers for comfort for you all

    Carol

    Reply
  20. Jan, Jackie, and Jeanette, I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister. My prayers and thoughts are with you. When the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange. When your heart is empty, filling it with happy memories can help.

    Sue

    Reply
  21. Jeff and Jen, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful woman. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

    Reply
  22. We were sorry to read the sad news about JoAnne. Although it has been a few years since we have seen her, we fondly remember “Cousin” JoAnne and her “J” brother and sisters too. A good memory is when several of them came to visit us for pancakes and maple syrup when we were still tapping trees and boiling sap. Our sincere condolences to you all, and we hope that many good memories will help you through this sad time.

    Reply
  23. Jeff and Jen – What a wonderful lady who was like a mom to so many and always so kind and caring. You have my deepest sympathies. Much love and hugs to you at this time. She is now home with Ed and whole again. Love, Sue

    Reply
  24. Jeff and Jen – We are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

    Reply
  25. Jeff and Jen – We are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

    Reply
  26. Jeff and Jen – We are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  27. From all the Snoddy family you have are sincere condolence on your loss of JoAnne. I remember the good times we had growing up on Henry Street. Our thoughts and prayers are wth all your family.

    Reply
  28. You all our in my thoughts and prayers during this time. Your mom was the best. She is one of my patients that I will always remember. Thank you for allowing me to be her nurse.

    Reply
  29. Jeff and family,
    We are so sorry to hear of the loss of a loved one. You all are in our thoughts and prayers and may God wrap his loving arms around each one and give you the peace and comfort that only he can give. Keep all the good memories close to your heart and all the goods times that you had through all the years with her. God Bless

    Reply
  30. To the Spitler/Soliday Families,

    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the loss of JoAnne. She was a great friend for many years.

    Reply
  31. Jenny and Jeff,

    My heart is breaking for your family. Your mother was always so thoughtful and kind to me and my children. I love my Wooster family and have many fond memories.

    Reply
  32. To Michael Baker and family, my co-worker, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss of your dear loved one. Know that my thoughts and prayers of comfort and peace are with you all during this difficult time.

    Reply
  33. Jeff, my deepest condolences on your mother’s passing. Usually, she was the first person I saw and greeted each morning at Edgewood. She’d be going into or out of the cooler as I walked towards the back entrance. I always got a cheery greeting from her. As things would be, after I retired, she became my mentor at Trinity’s breakfast kitchen. She taught me the in’s and outs of a service that she helped start. Your mother will be missed; she showed up.

    Reply
  34. Jeff, I was sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. I enjoyed knowing her and will always remember her with fond memories.

    Reply
  35. So very sorry for your loss! I worked with JoAnne at Hawkins Market when I was a teenager! She was a light in the dark, and always good for a laugh! God comfort your family at this time.

    Reply
  36. I’m sorry I didn’t get this in sooner, I was so sorry to hear about Jo Anne’s passing, The newspaper article said it all, I was in school with Janice, but got to know all the Soliday’s, They were so nice and comfortable to be around. Jeff and Jenny, I didn’t have the priviledge of meeting you, but know that ‘mom’ is at peace now and with your dad and the rest of the family that has gone to their heavenly home.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.