Obituaries

Joan "Joanie" Todd Tiefel

Photo of Joan "Joanie" Todd Tiefel
JOAN "JOANIE" TODD TIEFEL, 76, of North Little Rock, Ark. passed away on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013, at Arkansas Hospice in Little Rock after a courageous battle with cancer. Joanie was born at home on May 20, 1936, in Tipton, Indiana to Paul and Mardelle Todd. She graduated from Knightstown High School in Knightstown, Ind. and from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana with a degree in Business and English Education. Joanie met her husband of 53 years, Thomas, at the Indiana Soldier's and Sailor's Children's Home where her father served as the Dean of Students. She began her teaching career before her children were born and later became a full-time mother to her three children. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, North Little Rock, circle groups at FUMC and Lakewood United Methodist Church, Delta Kappa Gamma, P.E.O. Chapter X, the Red Hat Ladies, and the NLR Bunko Group. Joanie was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Mardelle Todd, sister, Carolyn Todd, husband, Thomas William and her only son, Todd William Tiefel. Survivors include her daughters, Jane Tiefel and Mary Beth (Trent) Cox, both of North Little Rock, a daughter-in-law, Lisa Bruns Tiefel of Conway, Ark.; two sisters-in-law, Mary Lewis of Greencastle, Ind., June Lawson of Brazil, Ind., and one brother-in-law, Jerry (Karen) Tiefel of Brazil, Ind.; five grandchildren; Charity and Chloe Cox of North Little Rock; and Abby, Ally and John Tiefel of Conway. She is also survived by cousins, Sharalee (Pat) Wilson, of Traverse City, Michigan and John (Barb) Carter of St. Joseph, Michigan as well as host of close friends including her friends at Kroger on McCain. Joanie, a lifelong Methodist, loved God and her family. She enjoyed teaching the Walters Seekers Sunday Class at FUMC and planning for the next "eating meeting." She began a diet every Monday in hopes of being a size three by Friday. She loved teaching water aerobics for the arthritis foundation and at the Overbrook Pool. Her motivational speaking took her many different places within the United States and locally she spoke to many philanthropy groups. Her inspirational topics included angels, laughter, and self-esteem. Her encouraging words at support groups, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities always left a positive impact. She was known for her "hug cards" that were shared at events and in her greeting cards. With her contagious smile, Joanie never met a stranger. Planning Sunday night family meals and birthday celebrations complete with balloons and homemade cake gave her such joy. An avid Razorback fan, she loved tailgating, wearing the color red, and calling the Hogs. Her "mom" career included roles as a dance mom, school volunteer, P.T.A. officer, Cub Scout leader, and Athletic Club Booster. After her oldest daughter graduated from high school, Joanie decided to teach again. She was a long term substitute in the North Little Rock School District for many years. Throughout the city of North Little Rock, every place she went–her previous students recognized her as one their favorite teachers. Visitation will be from 6–8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15, at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, 501-791-7400. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 16, at First United Methodist Church, 6701 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, 501-835-2201. Interment will follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock, 501-835-3515. Pallbearers will be: Tom Butler, Brad Hathaway, Ray Keller, Ken Kirspel, Adam Melton, Mark Melton, Presley Melton and John Tiefel. Honorary pallbearers will be: Bill Cox, Trent Cox, Connie Kern, John L. Robuck, Lance Robuck, Rocky Robuck, Elmer T. Stout, Leon Yielding, Freddie Zakrzewski Jr. and members of the Walter's Seekers Sunday School Class. The family would like to thank the caring medical team that accompanied Joanie on her journey as well as the love and compassionate care in Joanie's final days at Briarwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Arkansas Hospice, Little Rock, Ark. Memorials can be made to First United Methodist Church, 6701 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, Ark., 72116 or Arkansas Hospice, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116.

Published January 14, 2013

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