Our family is heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved mother, Joan Rose Litle, 82, ofBlue Springs, MO. She passed on June 1st, 2026. Born in Dunnegan, MO, Polk County (near Stockton MO)onAugust 31st, 1943, she was the oldest child of Everett and Mary Gannaway. She grew up on a farm in Missouri until age 12 when her family moved to Paramount CA. In 1961, she graduated from Paramount High School. The next year, she married Jim Litle on June 1st, 1962. While her daughters were young, she loved being a stay at home Mom. In the mid-80’s, she started working at Wal-Mart, store #0184, where she was an associate for 23 years. She enjoyed the people she worked with and helping customers.
Her family always came first. She was a devoted and loving mother to Jamie and Joey Litle, both of Blue Springs. She took special joy in visiting her family throughout the years. Researching her family history and genealogy was her favorite hobby. Her home was always filled with love,warmth, and kids she adopted as her own.
Beyond her family, Mom loved garage sales; collecting Fenton glass; peacocks; otters and costume jewelry. She was a proud member of the Parkville Community of Christ church.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her 2 daughters; her siblings, Judy (John) Dodson of Marshfield MO, Jimmy (Judy) Gannaway of Galena KS, Janice Fay of Owasso OK and Jennifer Waggoner of Bristow, OK; numerous nieces and nephews and a wide circle of friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years Jim Litle; her parents Everett and Mary Gannaway.
A celebration of her life will be held at a future date. All who knew her are welcome to attend and celebrate her.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Harvesters – The Community Food Network, a cause that was very close to her heart. She always helped as many as she could.
Submitted by Family
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-847-4441