Johanna (Joann) Lyions

November 24, 1947 – February 19, 2026

Johanna (Joann) Lyions 78, born November 24, 1947 in Rock Island, Illinois and raised in Davenport, Iowa was called home after courageously fighting cancer for more than 30 years.  She spent her early life in Davenport before moving to Lancaster, Missouri in 2010, where she later married John Lyions on September 24, 2017, the love of her life.  Together they shared a warm and joyful home filled with devotion, laughter and adventure.

Joann was the daughter of Chuck and Betty DeSmet, both of whom preceded her in death, along with her sister, Susan Meredith, her daughter, Rhonda and son-in-law, Donnie Ehlers.

Joann was the proud mother of four children: Melissa Stremlow (Alonzo Brown), Jimmy Stremlow, Tammy Warren (Gary) and her late daughter, Rhonda Ehlers and one stepson, John Lyions, Jr. (Tonya) of Iowa City, Iowa. She was blessed with seven grandchildren: Richard Debates, Jeffrey Strawhacker, Amber Strawhacker, who is lovingly remembered, Ryan Stremlow, Dustin Gilchrist, who is lovingly remembered, Kyle Warren and Joshua Warren.  She also leaves behind eleven great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, all of whom brought her immeasurable joy.

Joann and John shared countless simple joys together.  Nearly every day they played cards or their favorite dice game, a tradition that became a fun way to teach and bond with the grandchildren whenever she visited.  They loved sitting at the table by the bay window, enjoying their morning coffee while playing games and looking out over the flower garden and bird feeders she tended with such care.  Their favorite card game was Kings in the Corner and Joann played it with a competitive sparkle in her eye.  She loved mowing their acres of grass and taking drives around town with John, always stopping for a treat and a daily sweet tea.  Joann was endlessly devoted to her grandchildren.  She spent countless hours at baseball fields, cheering them on thorough games after game.  She even went fly fishing once, a story the family still laughs about today.  Joann was a woman of extraordinary kindness, generosity and warmth.  She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and loved.  She had an overwhelming desire, and a remarkable ability to bring her family together, no matter the season or circumstance.  Christmas at her home was unforgettable-she hosted with joy, went above and beyond her means and created memories her family will cherish forever.  Her grandchildren were her greatest joy and her smile was never brighter than when she was surrounded by them.  Her life was full of creativity and passion.  She spent endless hours scrapbooking, researching genealogy and enjoying music, dancing and karaoke.  She volunteered with the PTA, nurtured her beautiful flowers and fruit trees and was known as "Mama Jo" in the pool-playing community, proudly bringing home trophies.  She also loved camping, fishing and playing Keno at the casino.  Above all, Joann was a fighter.  For three decades, she faced cancer with strength, courage and an unbreakable spirit.  Joann Lyions will be remembered for her heart, her laughter, her generosity and the way she made every person she met feel special.

Donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in her honor.  A celebration of life will be held this summer.  Online condolences may be expressed to the family by logging on to normanfh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Norman Funeral Home of          Lancaster, Missouri.