Joanne Ganyard Eubanks

1945 - 2025

Westerville - Joanne Ganyard Eubanks, 80, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025, after a two-year battle with cancer. Born on June 11, 1945, in Medina, Ohio, Joanne lived a life defined by creativity, generosity, and a deep devotion to her family and the arts.

A passionate advocate for arts education, Joanne dedicated nearly three decades of her career to the Ohio Arts Council, where she championed countless programs and initiatives as Director of Artist in Residence program before retiring in 2011. She earned her bachelor's degree in dance from The Ohio State University and went on to teach modern dance at the Columbus College of Art and Design, inspiring many young artists along the way.

Her artistic talents extended far beyond dance. Joanne was an accomplished oboe player, serving as first chair for the Cleveland Women's Orchestra. After auditioning for Leonard Bernstein, she was accepted into the Juilliard School of Music, an honor she cherished deeply, even though she ultimately chose a different path.

Joanne will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was charming, funny, and kind, with an infectious passion for life and a profound desire to help others. Her warmth, wit, and generosity left an imprint on all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mary Jane Smith. Joanne is survived by her loving husband, Ray Eubanks; daughter, Kristen Eubanks; son, Erik (Mandy Dangerfield) Eubanks; and cherished grandchild, Ryder Jane Eubanks. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Renshaw; niece, Alex (Brad & Madeline) Morrow; and nephews, Matt (Kerry, William & Andrew) Green & Josh Green; and relatives Tom & Nena Green.

A small celebration of life will be held by the family in the summer of 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fry Out Cancer in Joanne's honor: fryoutcancer.org/collections/donation.