Della Joann Johnson

Della JoAnn McGinnis, 63, of Seneca, Kansas, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

JoAnn was born November 19, 1962, at Ft. Riley, Kansas, to William Thomas McGinnis and Sally Darnell (Wright) McGinnis. The oldest of seven children, she grew up with a strong sense of family and attended school in Council Grove, Kansas.

On February 14, 1980, JoAnn married Vernon McAuliffe in Seneca. Together they built a life and welcomed their son, William Elisha.

JoAnn worked as a manager at the Howard Johnson hotel in Salina, Kansas, and later managed a greyhound farm in Abilene, Kansas. In her retirement, she followed a calling to become an ordained minister with the Church of Light. Over the past 20 years, she had the special privilege of officiating many weddings, something she truly enjoyed as she helped couples begin their lives together.

JoAnn loved spending time outdoors fishing and camping, researching her family genealogy, and caring for animals. More than anything, she cherished time spent with her grandchildren, who were a constant source of pride, laughter, and love in her life. She will be remembered for her caring heart, her sense of humor, and the deep love she had for her family.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, her parents, and her sister, Becky Knox of Navarre.

JoAnn is survived by her husband, Vernon McAuliffe of the home; her son, Bill McGinnis (Amber) of Sabetha; and her grandchildren: Victoria McGinnis and Eli McGinnis, both of Sabetha; Jesse McGinnis of Horton; Kayden McAuliffe of Sabetha; and Damion McAuliffe of Somerset, Pennsylvania.

She is also survived by her brother, Jimmy McGinnis of Kansas City; her sisters, Fay Warders (Jeff) of Junction City, Christina Clark (Francis) of Hiawatha, Patty McGinnis (Brad) of Salina, and Tammy Haggerty (Jeff) of Centralia; along with Vernon's family: Carolyn McAuliffe of Topeka, Fran Nichols of Overland Park, and Frank McAuliffe of Goff, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow in Centralia. A private family burial will take place at Seneca Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials will be designated at a later.