JoAnn Marie Michael

JoAnn M Michael, 89, of Topeka, passed away Friday, May 2, 2025.

God called our precious angel to heaven.

She was born June 5, 1935, in Tecumseh, Ks, the daughter of Beauford and Mildred Shumate (Iwig). She married Albert Lester May 19,1952, and they raised six children together. After 30 years of marriage, they divorced.

On June 30,1984 she married Glen F. Michael, he preceded her in death on May 9, 2003.

JoAnn was employed by Stormont Vail Hospital for 38 years, retiring in 2013.

Mrs. Michael was a born-again believer and a member of Grace United Methodist Church, of Topeka.

Survivors include daughters, Connie (Ray) Lester, Topeka and Cathy Larson, Spring Hill, TN, sons, Terry Lester, Michael (Annette) Lester and Rocky (Tammy) Lester, all of Topeka, sister, Peggy Sams, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. 18 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by infant daughter Cynthia Kay Lester, her parents, sister Phyllis May, and grandson Jason Lester. Also, her beloved dogs Samantha and Marley.

JoAnn enjoyed country music (especially live music events), gardening, playing cards, board games, Wii bowling (she was a fierce competitor) and traveling. Her favorite places to travel were the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee.

JoAnn’s greatest joy in life was her children, grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren. Time spent with family is what was most important in her life, including extended family, and friends she adopted as family. She went above and beyond for her loved ones.

JoAnn was greatly loved by her family and friends and was known to have a feisty quick wit, love of laughter, and a twinkle in her eye. She will be tremendously missed by all whose lives were blessed to have known her.

A funeral ceremony will be at 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 9, 2025 at the Grace United Methodist Church, 2627 SW Western, Topeka, KS 66611. Interment will follow at Mission Center Cemetery in Topeka. Her family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 p.m. at the church just prior to the start of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Helping Hands Humane Society of Topeka.

To share a memory of JoAnn or leave a special message for her family, visit the guestbook below.