Joanne Kerr, 87 of Mexico, Missouri, passed away at 10:10 A.M. Thursday, October 8th, 2026, at Monroe Manor in Paris, Missouri.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Monday, October 12, at Bethel Presbyterian Church . Michael Moore will be officiating the service. Burial will follow at Bethel Presbyterian Church cemetery.

Visitation will be on Monday, October 12, from 10:00 A.M. till the time of service at the church.

Joanne was born August 5th, 1939 to Joseph and Laura (Gerwin) Yostmayer. She graduated from Mexico Senior High in 1957 and had her first date with Joseph Robert (Joe Bob) Kerr, July 3rd, 1960. It was a double date set up with Joseph’s sister Elaine and her husband Ned Azdell. For Joanne and Joe Bob, it was love at first sight. The two were engaged on December 19th, 1960, and united in marriage at Littleby Methodist Church on April 19th, 1961, a beautiful day with a nice south breeze.

Joanne was a member of the Molino extension club, leader in 4-H, and an active member of Bethel Presbyterian Church. She was a dedicated farmer’s wife, mother, and grandmother, who loved laughing with her family. Joanne enjoyed sewing, gardening and baking.

Joanne is survived by her sons, James Kerr & wife Vanessa, Jay Kerr & Friend Kim; her daughter Janet Power. She is also survived by grandchildren Rachael, Olivia, Grace, Vivian, and Stephen Kerr, Ryan and Luke Power; as well as one sister, Charlotte Azdell.

Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Bob Kerr; parents, Joseph and Laura Yostmayer; infant sister, Patsy; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ned and Elaine (Kerr) Azdell; son-in-law, Wilbert Wayne Power.

The family requests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Bethel Cemetery. Memorials may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.