Obituary for JoAnne Hart (Knight)
JoAnne Hart passed away at home in Overland Park, Kansas, on October 20, 2021. She was born to Joseph E. and Alberta G. (Schmotz) Knight on April 26, 1930, in Kansas City, Kansas. When she was 10 years old the family moved from the city out to the family farm in Bonner Springs, Kansas. She was class valedictorian in the Bonner Springs High School class of 1947 and started at Kansas State University the next Fall.
At Kansas State University she met her husband of 63 years, Willis Hart, who predeceased her in 2013. They married, both graduated, and moved to Overland Park, Kansas, in 1951.
JoAnne’s passion in life was medicine and care for those who needed it. She studied at Kansas State University and University of Kansas to obtain her degree in Medical Technology and certification in pathology. She would have made an excellent doctor if she had pursued that training, but instead dedicated herself to raising her family, care for family members, and friends. Before her children arrived, she worked for Dr. Bradford, one of only two doctors in what was then the small town of Overland Park, Kansas. Her study of medical journals and the latest medical advances and practices continued until late in her life.
She enjoyed flowers, gardening, birds, being out in the country, and working outside.
She is survived by her children Dianne Hart and Greg (Vicky) Hart, grandson Gerald (Grace) Hart, two great-grandsons Landon and Micah, brother Gerald T. (Delores) Knight and nephews Jeff, Andrew (Melanie) and Michael (Jennifer) Knight.
A visitation, celebration of life, and reception will be held at the Alden-Harrington Funeral Home in Bonner Springs, Kansas, on Friday, November 5. The visitation will be from 12 Noon to 1 PM followed by a celebration service at 1 PM. After the service family and friends are invited to a reception.
The family suggests memorials may be sent in her name to the Kansas State University Foundation or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
At Kansas State University she met her husband of 63 years, Willis Hart, who predeceased her in 2013. They married, both graduated, and moved to Overland Park, Kansas, in 1951.
JoAnne’s passion in life was medicine and care for those who needed it. She studied at Kansas State University and University of Kansas to obtain her degree in Medical Technology and certification in pathology. She would have made an excellent doctor if she had pursued that training, but instead dedicated herself to raising her family, care for family members, and friends. Before her children arrived, she worked for Dr. Bradford, one of only two doctors in what was then the small town of Overland Park, Kansas. Her study of medical journals and the latest medical advances and practices continued until late in her life.
She enjoyed flowers, gardening, birds, being out in the country, and working outside.
She is survived by her children Dianne Hart and Greg (Vicky) Hart, grandson Gerald (Grace) Hart, two great-grandsons Landon and Micah, brother Gerald T. (Delores) Knight and nephews Jeff, Andrew (Melanie) and Michael (Jennifer) Knight.
A visitation, celebration of life, and reception will be held at the Alden-Harrington Funeral Home in Bonner Springs, Kansas, on Friday, November 5. The visitation will be from 12 Noon to 1 PM followed by a celebration service at 1 PM. After the service family and friends are invited to a reception.
The family suggests memorials may be sent in her name to the Kansas State University Foundation or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.