Jonette Shaffer Bodanske

Born February 5, 1930 Springfield, MO
Died August 23, 2024, Overland Park, KS

Jonette Bodanske died August 23, 2024, with all her close family at her side. She was born February 5th, 1930, in Springfield to Bert Shaffer and Lucile Kreger Shaffer.  Her early childhood was spent in Miller, Mo where her father was superintendent of schools. After graduation from Springfield High School she attended Southwest Missouri State College with majors in music and Spanish.  She was married to Willam Holt Bodanske in January 1951.

They taught a year at the Baumholder, Germany U. S. Army base; and, subsequently they taught choral and instrumental music for the Nixa public schools. Jonette attended Drury and obtained her Master's Degree in Guidance & Counseling.  She taught at both Hickory Hills and Cherokee Junior high schools.

Jonette and Bill became very committed to the work of the Association of Children with Learning Disabilities of Missouri. Some of the volunteers became close, life-long friends.

Jonette served as choir director for several Springfield churches, lastly singing with and substitute directing the Westminster Presbyterian choir where she was an Ordained Elder.

Jonette was an excellent gardener, and her home was always surrounded with beautiful flower beds and roses. She also excelled in the kitchen and hosted many wonderful dinners which will be long remembered.

In 2017 Jonette left her home of 57 years and moved to an independent living apartment very close to her family in Overland Park, Kansas. We were fortunate to share many holiday and birthday gatherings over the next seven years.

Jonette was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Dr William H. Bodanske; and son Kurt Andrew Bodanske. She is survived by her brother John K Shaffer and wife Georgia of Springfield; her son William Stephen Bodanske, MD and his wife Barbara H (who Jonette loved and depended upon most closely); grandchildren: Sarah Heitsch and husband Royce; Philip and wife Laura; William Jeffrey and wife Alexis; and her great-granddaughter Alexandra Heitsch.

A special thanks to Donna Meyer for her kindness to our mother.

Never has someone been more possessed of Christian charity, love for others with a bright caring spirit. Jonette's graveside services will be announced at a later date.