JoAnn Cavanaugh

JoAnn Cavanaugh, 95, of Springfield, Missouri, loving matriarch and dedicated educator, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at her home in Springfield.

She was born on August 27, 1930, in Abilene, Texas, to Adrian H. and Constance C. (Copper) Cahn. JoAnn attended school in her hometown of Abilene, Texas, before furthering her education at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. She graduated from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, with a bachelor's degree in education, a testament to her life-long commitment to learning and teaching. She spent much of her career as a 3rd and 4th-grade teacher, enriching the lives of countless students with her passion for education. After retiring from teaching, she remained active in her community as a member of the hospital auxiliary at Grove Hospital in Grove, Oklahoma. Throughout her life, JoAnn lived in Texas, Enid, Oklahoma, Grove, Oklahoma, and Springfield, Missouri, leaving a lasting impact on each community.

She was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Springfield, Missouri.

JoAnn is survived by her son, James (Suzana) Cavanaugh, Jr.; and her daughter, Sharon (Dennis) Gillham; five grandchildren, Becky Gillham, Kerry (Robert) Scott, Randi (Jason) Osterhoudt, and Tana (Craig) Scott, and Casie (Jake) Cahalen; and eleven great-grandchildren, Kiersten Scott, Justin Scott, Noah Scott, Alex Osterhoudt, Caylee Osterhoudt, Clementine Cox, Cavan Cox, Presley Cahalen, Cash Cahalen, Chloe Cahalen, and Crew Cahalen. She was preceded in death by her parents, Adrian and Constance Cahn, her beloved husband, James Cavanaugh, her son Timothy Cavanaugh, and one great-grandchild Reiley Osterhoudt. Above all, JoAnn cherished her family, and they will remember her as a source of unending love, support, and inspiration.

A Memorial Service in celebration of JoAnn's life will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, Kansas with Father Drew Dellasega of Holy Name Catholic Church officiating. Inurnment will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Coffeyville.

We invite all who knew and loved JoAnn to share memories and photos on her memorial page at www.dwbfh.com. JoAnn's life was marked by love, service, and dedication to others, and her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.