Joan W. Sammons

Joan W. Sammons

Joan W. Sammons

Cedar Rapids

Joan W. Sammons, 90, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Joan was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on June 15, 1932, to William and Doris Raue.

She graduated from McKinley High School in 1949. She was very proud of her family. She adored raising her six children, spending time with them and imparting her wisdom on them. In 1978, she started working at the Cedar Rapids Community Theatre and continued to do so until her retirement in 2012. She cherished her time working at the theater and all of the wonderful people she met through it.

Joan had a fantastic sense of humor and a sharp wit. She loved to laugh and could find humor in any moment. She was an avid reader and a frequent visitor of the Cedar Rapids Public Library. She was a fierce Democrat and a champion of women’s rights. She took great pride in advocating for a number of progressive social causes.

Joan is survived by her sister, Mary Lou Seiler; her children, David Ritchie (JoEllen), John Ritchie (Julie), Robert (Sonja), Kristine Jacobson and Kathleen Biderman (Christopher); 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many extended family members (mh) and dearly valued friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Howard Hilton; brother-in-law, Roy Seiler; and her daughter, Ann Kehm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Theatre Cedar Rapids.

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