Jo Ann Raper

JoAnn Raper, 84, of Warsaw, Kentucky, peacefully entered into eternal rest on June 16, 2026

Born on December 16, 1941, in Covington, Kentucky, JoAnn was the beloved daughter of Elmer and Dorothy Penick. She grew up in Bellevue and graduated from Bellevue High School, where she proudly played the clarinet in the marching band (those white boots were the cutest). Her academic achievements earned her a scholarship to Eastern Kentucky College. Long before spellcheck existed, JoAnn’s gift with words was already evident—she even competed in the National Spelling Bee, a distinction that perfectly suited someone who always appreciated a good vocabulary

JoAnn never sought attention or recognition. Instead, she quietly built a life centered on faith, family, generosity, and love. She was a homemaker in every sense of the word. She sewed clothes for her children, crocheted afghans that warmed generations, stitched handmade quilts filled with love, tended gardens, picked blackberries, and canned the fruits of her labor for family and friends to enjoy.

She possessed a beautiful smile, a gentle spirit, and a heart that seemed incapable of judging anyone. If kindness had a face, many would say it looked a lot like JoAnn. She never complained, even when she had every reason to. She believed in helping others, often giving far more than she had to spare. In fact, if you needed a coat, she would likely hand you hers and insist she wasn’t cold anyway.

JoAnn’s table was never meant for just the people who lived in her house. There was always room for one more. Sunday gatherings became family traditions, filled with horseback riding, laughter, stories, and meals that somehow stretched to feed everyone who happened to show up.

She could stretch a dollar farther than most people thought possible and lived by the belief that, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Somehow, she always found a way. She taught all of her children to read before they ever stepped into a classroom, proving that some of the best teachers never stand in front of a chalkboard.

Her children often joked that she had “bionic ears.” She could hear a whispered conversation from another room or the exact moment someone was getting into mischief. She also had a remarkable memory for dates and numbers that left family members amazed.

Above all, JoAnn loved unconditionally. She loved deeply, faithfully, and without reservation. Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. She found comfort in prayer, joy in singing hymns, and peace in trusting God’s plan.

In her later years, when her family could no longer care for her health needs, the staff at Gallatin Nursing and Rehab became a second family, treating her like a loved and treasured grandmother. Their kindness, compassion, and care brought comfort not only to JoAnn, but also to those who loved her. Her family will always be grateful for the love and dignity they showed her.

JoAnn is survived by her sister, Bonnie Hall; her children, Rose (Bob) Gividen, Gene (Sandy) Elliott —her favorite child—at least according to the rest of the family, Ann (Chris) Gilbert, and Becky (Rex) Gibson; her grandchildren, Sara Hampton, Jonathan Gividen, Chris Edwards, Bryan Elliott, Felicia Lightfoot, Emily Lightfoot, Ashley Slone, Zachary Wolfe, and Levi Wolfe; along with many cherished great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends whose lives were touched by her kindness.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Dorothy Penick, and her beloved grandsons, Matthew Edwards and Joshua Elliott.

The world is better because JoAnn was here. Her quilts may eventually wear thin, her gardens may stop blooming, and her Sunday table may sit a little quieter, but the love she stitched into her family will endure for generations. Her legacy lives on in every act of kindness, every family gathering, every shared meal, and every life she touched.

Psalm 116:15  Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants

Private services will be held at New Funeral Homes.