Etta Joann Badger

Etta JoAnn Badger of Mankato, Kansas, was born on a farm southwest of Mankato, Kansas on December 7, 1933. She died on March 20, 2014 at the age of 80. JoAnn was the fourth child in a family of five children. She attended rural schools and later graduated from Mankato High School in 1951.

JoAnn married Roland Badger on September 9, 1952 at the Christian Church in Mankato. Together they raised a family of five children. She and her family were baptized in 1972.

JoAnn and Roland were actively engaged in farming. In addition to her farming activities and to raising an active family, JoAnn enjoyed her vegetable and flower gardens and landscaping the homes she had while on the farm and later after moving to Mankato. She had a special love for all varieties of roses. There is a saying, “Cultivating a garden is like taking a walk with God.” Surely, JoAnn has taken many such walks. JoAnn also worked at the courthouse and at Mid-Way Coop elevator, she loved being outdoors. She is remembered as being a great neighbor and spent many hours mowing yards for people in town.

JoAnn’s greatest love was for her family. She was happiest when she had cooked a big meal and could enjoy being surrounded by a group of her kids or grandkids. She liked following the various sports and activities of her family and attended when possible.

Preceding JoAnn in death were her parents -Roy and Etta Mae (Cammel) Crouch; loving husband of 47 years- Roland; brother -Raymond Crouch, and granddaughter- Katherine Bates.

Survivors are sisters Jean Boettcher, Betty May, and Linda (Roger ) Zeigler; five children: son David Badger and wife Cheryl of Mankato, daughter Judy Bates and husband Alan of Kensington Kansas, son Steven Badger and wife Joe of Oakley, Kansas, daughter Patricia Badger of Russell, Kansas, son Brian Badger and wife Kristi of Mankato. She also leaves fifteen grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren, as well as many other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life service for Etta JoAnn Badger, will be (was) Monday, March 24, 2014, at 2:00 p.m., at the Christian Church, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastor Thaddeus Hinkle officiating. Mrs. Pat Grout will be (was) the organist. Mr. Randy Paugh was the soloist, who will sing (sang) – “Old Rugged Cross” and “In The Garden.” Two cd’s will be (were) played, “ Just A Closer Walk with Thee” and a song dedicated to our Mother, "IOU" by James Dean. The congregation will sing (sang) “ How Great Thou Art.” Casket bearers will be (were): Timothy Badger, Christopher Bates, Matthew Badger, Kevin Shorter, Daniel Badger, Adam Badger, and Alex Badger. Honorary casket bearers will be (were): Christina Copeland, Pamela Wirth, Brenda DeGraffenreidt, Amanda Varner, Krstal Rothe, Barbara JoAnn Ritter, Amber Shorter, and Ashley Shorter.  Interment will be (was) in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas. Visitation will be (was) Sunday, March 23, 2014, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas. The family suggests memorials be sent to the Melby Mortuary, PO Box 384, Mankato, Kansas 66956. Charities will be (was) named later date. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.