Frances Joann Ryan passed away peacefully on January 27, 2010, surrounded by family. She was born on April 19, 1933 in Niangua, MO to Harvey Lee and Ancel Jessie Alexander. She was a longtime Springfield resident. Joann was a lifetime educator, beginning at Northview School in 1951 at the age of 18. She taught kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and remedial reading in Marshfield and Springfield Public Schools, and was principal of Teft-Weller Elementary and Pittman Elementary, where she retired after 44 years in public school. Joann was still teaching children to read from her home until a few weeks before she passed. She was an elder at Southminster Presbyterian Church, as well as a faithful choir member and supporter of all activities related to children. She loved her church and was an example to all who knew her of how to live a faith-based life. She was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Joseph Drew Ryan, and her brother, Harry Lee Alexander. Joann is survived by one son, Kyle Kittrell and his wife Christie of Jefferson City, MO, three grandchildren, Alex Kittrell of Haley, Idaho, Annie Kittrell of Jefferson City, MO, and Benjamin Kittrell and his wife Samantha of Kansas City, MO, one great grandson, Kehlson Alexander Swafford, two stepchildren, Bonnie Lisech and her husband Howard, and Clinton Ryan, seven step-grandchildren, and fifteen step-great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Monday, February 1, 2010 at 4:00 pm at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Springfield with the Rev. Bill Havens officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Sunday, January 31 at Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Private burial will be at Niangua Freewill Baptist Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southminster Presbyterian Church Choir or Niangua Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery. "Well done, good and faithful servant."