Mary Joann Teeter

An angel left this earth July 24th, 2020. She was born Mary JoAnn Fink on July 12, 1934, to Ernie and Ruby (Jones) Fink, near Monument KS. JoAnn managed to become the world’s most spoiled depression baby ever. Her father Ernie was the first to begin what would become a lifetime of letting JoAnn get her way. She attended both Monument and Oakley schools, graduating in 1952. On her 18th birthday in 1952 she married Herbert Clovis Teeter. Herb was next in line for spoiling JoAnn. Herb was stationed in Memphis TN. Her first job was at a Russell Stover counter. They then moved to Ardmore OK and then JoAnn moved back to Oakley when Herb was sent overseas. In 1955 they purchased a farm north of Oakley. 1957 brought the birth of their 1st daughter, Tamera Jo. They then forgot to have a second child for about 20 years, Tracee being born in 1976. JoAnn was always working. Driving harvest trucks, cleaning homes, painting, school paraprofessional, church cleaning, mowing and her all-time favorite activity was rental house collecting. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Garden Club, PEO and numerous other organizations.


Herb and JoAnn traveled extensively during their marriage. JoAnn was very proud to have earned her pilots license when they owned a plane. Mainly she got it just in case Herb crashed the plane, which he did... Smart lady! Mom was fond of saying that they would have the farm paid off sooner had they not taken so many Hawaii trips. During the 70s she and sister Glennis ran ParTee Ceramics out of her shop. Lots of painting and memories were made at the time. Many students will remember her as a para and running the concession stands.


She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruby and Ernie Fink; husband Herb; a daughter Tammy Teeter and a grandson Morgan. She is survived by a sister Glennis Parsons and daughter Tracee Teeter (and the world’s best son in law Randy Swart). A host of other family and friends will miss her but most importantly will be her precious Ernie cat. Donations of cat nip and Temptations accepted. Also, donations to the United Methodist Church and The Kansas Honor Flight are suggested and can be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. A memorial service will take place at a later date. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com