JoAnn Alice McKenna, 85, passed away May 21, 2026. She was born January 16, 1941 in South Dakota to parents, James Delbert and Edna (Griggs) McKenna.  

JoAnn was intensely proud of her irish heritage. Her paternal great-grandfather immigrated from Ireland because of the great potato famine of 1845 – 1852, while her maternal relatives hailed from Scotland and came to America about the same time.

The family homesteaded land in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Joann’s family settled near the town of Custer, SD.

Annually, the settlement of the area, along with the discovery of gold in the Black Hills, were celebrated by the whole town hosting the “Custer Gold Discovery Days”. “The Pagent of Paha Sapa” was presented by the towns people and for many years was a spectacle which drew visitors from many places and was organized by many of the Custer residents.

JoAnn, as a youth and as an adult, actively participated in this annual event undertaking many, many roles and responsibilities culminating in years of family fun and happy family memories, for herself and countless others over the years.

JoAnn enjoyed several hobbies and leisure activities throughout her lifetime. always “ready with an explanation for the hope that was within her” (1 Peter 3:15) she enjoyed years of teaching Sunday school students the way to eternal life. part and parcel along with that she was an outstanding seamstress and crochet artist. She was a “charter member” of the knitting/crochet group who called themselves “the knit wits” making many baby blankets and other gifts…and designing and sewing an occasional wedding dress - even one for her younger sister, Lynne.

Throughout her adult life, JoAnn loved to travel and typically she and a good friend or two would journey to destinations near and far… including two Caribbean cruises, Alaska, Hawaii, two trips to Canada, one to Norway to escort Stephanie home from a yearlong student exchange program. The two of them also spent some mother-daughter time falling in love with Nova Scotia together. all these, not to mention many trips within the states. but probably the most memorable and meaningful of all was her journey to Israel and the holy land! It was byfar the trip we heard most about, even as she, like mary, treasured up so many thoughts in her heart that prepared her for this day…

JoAnn’s early work-life included a stint as Custer city treasurer but a longer period of time working for the Custer County Chronicle. There she showed off her versatility and adaptability. she wore many hats including, but not limited to photographer, “ace” reporter, writing stories, doing interviews, proofreader and typesetter. however, she did not deliver the papers…that job was left for Stephanie!

She also served as a combination dental assistant and office manager.

the highlight of her career is undoubtedly her 20-plus years with the U.S. Veterans Administration. In those years she held positions in Hot Springs, SD, Westside and Lakeside VA offices, both in Chicago, Prescott, AZ and finally retiring from the Albuquerque, NM office of Volunteer Services.

Predeceasing her are her parents, James Delbert McKenna and Edna Nellie Griggs; husband, C.H. Reuwsaat; brother-in-law, John Murphy and nephew, Michael Murphy.

Surviving JoAnn are her daughter, Stephanie (Joe) Cuttle; sisters, Florence (John) Murphy; Lynne (Gary) Vesper; nieces: Maureen Murphy; Shaila (Bruce) Boutell; Larka Vesper: Aileen (John) Wiles; nephews, Shawn (Kathy) Murphy; Ian Vesper; Colin (Marissa) Vesper; granddaughters, Bethany (James) Winters and Lisa Cuttle, MD.

There are three great grandchildren and several great nieces and nephews.

In Lieu of flowers: the family asks that friends and family consider making a donation in JoAnn’s name to K9s for Warriors

Online at:

K9sforwarriors.org

Or mail to

K9s For Warriors

114 Camp Canine Road

Ponte Vedra, FL 32081

Services are pending.