Joanne Miller Staton passed away on June 2, 2026, at the age of 78, after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on July 11, 1947, in Lexington, Nebraska, to Henry and Ruth (Eaton) Miller. Joanne grew up alongside her twin sister Dianne and her older brother Gene Dodson. She graduated from Lexington High School in 1966.

During her high school years, Joanne worked at the local laundromat. One day, her twin sister introduced her to Charles Staton while spending time with friends. Although they didn’t get along at first, Charles quickly caught her attention after famously jumping a fence just to spend a little more time with her. Where later in life, they went fishing and camping often.

On June 8, 1968, she married Charles Staton, the love of her life. Together they built their home in Cozad, Nebraska, where Joanne lived for 57 years. Joanne and Charles were blessed with two children: Chris, born in 1969, and Billie, born in 1972.

Joanne spent her life dedicated to family, work, and community. She owned and operated a daycare until 1977, caring for many children and forming lasting bonds with families. She later worked at Evan’s Bakery in Cozad until 2003, where she became a familiar and friendly face in the community.

She enjoyed life’s simple joys and friendly competition. Bowling and horseshoes were among her favorite pastimes, and she even had horseshoe pits built in her own backyard so she could enjoy the game she loved. She always enjoyed a lively game of pinochle. She also enjoyed working with her hands, spending quiet moments crocheting or making countless puzzles, playing cards and board games with family and friends, especially Pitch and Marbles—though anyone who played Marbles against her quickly learned she was not easy to beat.

Her humor stayed with her throughout her life—she often joked about wanting to be taxidermied so she could still attend family game nights.

Joanne was outgoing, loving, and deeply devoted to her family. She especially treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her endless pride and joy. Her warmth, laughter, and bright smile had a way of lighting up every room she entered.

She also loved plants and gardening, finding joy in nurturing life and beauty wherever she could.

Preceded in Death By: her parents, Henry and Ruth Miller; her brother, Gene Dodson; her sister, Dianne Hollibaugh; and her son-in-law, Wayne Walker.

Survived By: Her husband, Charles Staton; her son, Chris; and her daughter, Billie. Her grandchildren include Catlyn (Aaron Bergman), Kristian (Luis Arevalo), ORion Walker, and Kaleb Staton. Her great-grandchildren include Breece Bergmann and Beckett Bergmann, Amelie Arevalo, and Anastasia Arevalo. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Joanne will be carried to her final resting place by those who loved her, honoring her life with care, respect, and gratitude for all she meant to them.

Joanne will be remembered for her strength, especially in her courageous fight against cancer. Her resilience, love, and unwavering devotion to her family will forever remain her legacy. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington with Paul Thomas officiating.

Interment will be held at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska, at 2:00 p.m.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.

Memorials are kindly suggested to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or to the American Cancer Society.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com