Eva "Joanne" Spear, beloved wife, mom, grandma and great-grandma, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 8, 2024, surrounded by her loving husband of 68 years and her three children. She was 88 years old.

Joanne was born September 11, 1935, to George W. Bonnett and Clara M. Sewell Bonnett in Des Moines, Iowa.

On May 13, 1955, Joanne was united in marriage to Gilbert W. Spear, farming in the Milo/Liberty Center area for over 60 years.  They were blessed with three children, Randy, Ronald, and Rhonda.

Joanne was a full-time housewife and mother while her children were young.  She then worked for 18 years as the school secretary for grades 7-12 at Southeast Warren in Liberty Center, retiring in 1997.

Joanne loved being active whether it was attending children's events, participating in her church, or getting together with family and friends. Camping at the Iowa State Fair for over 50 years was a family tradition. In retirement, she enjoyed spending the winters in South Texas renewing old friendships while enjoying the many activities.

Joanne is survived by her husband Gilbert; children Randy (Kay)Spear, Ronald (Lola) Spear, and Rhonda (Kevin) Gripp; grandchildren, J.R. (Heidi) Spear, Jeff (Billie) Spear, McKenzie (Josh) Becker, Trevor (Amy) Spear, Casey (Amy) Spear, Allison (Beau) Crookes, and Mark (Casey) Gripp; and 22 great-grandchildren.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents George and Clara Bonnett; siblings George, Eddie Bonnett, and sister Jeanne Till; granddaughter Ashley Spear Greubel; great-grandchildren, Grant and Harper Spear.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday, February 12 at Farmers Chapel United Methodist Church in Indianola, with burial following in the Liberty Center Cemetery, Liberty Center. Visitation will be held, at the church prior to services, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made in Joanne's name to the American Legion Post 661 in Liberty Center or to the family for a bench to be placed in the Warren County Fair Grounds.