Joann Osbourn

JoAnn Osbourn, 86, died Sunday July 21, 2019 at Newton Medical Center. She was born May 30, 1933 in Ravenden, Arkansas to Frank and Lucille (Shull) Reaves.

JoAnn’s family moved to Halstead, Kansas when she was age 5 and she spent her school years there, active as cheerleader, drum major, and in high school plays. After graduation in 1951, she attended Wichita State University. JoAnn worked for the Santa Fe Railroad beginning in 1956, in Emporia and Newton and retired in 1988 as Chief Clerk to the Trainmasters.

She served as Treasurer of the Brotherhood of Railway Clerks for many years, was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, was recipient of the RSVP Sunshine Award from Harvey County, and received the President’s Call to Service Award from the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.

JoAnn married Herman “Swede” Osbourn on September 1, 1991. He preceded her in death in 2018. In addition to her husband, JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, Paul, Gene, Lloyd, and Frank Reaves and one sister, Kathleen Moore.

Survivors include nephews Paul Reaves and Edgar Adrian, and step-grandchildren Brooke Gonzalez and Eric Ramsey.

A graveside committal service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday at Halstead City Cemetery in Halstead, Kansas. Services by Petersen Funeral Home Newton, Kansas.