JoAnn Putnam

JoAnn Cox Putnam, age 90, passed away on November 12, 2025, in Osborne, Kansas.
JoAnn was born on May 29, 1935, in rural Alton, Kansas, to Charles and Alice (Miller) Cox. She was one of six children and grew up surrounded by a close-knit family. While still in high school, JoAnn began working as a telephone operator at the Alton Telephone Office, a job she returned to off and on into her mid-twenties.
JoAnn met her first love, Jack Mayes, and they were married in 1954. Together they were blessed with three children: Elizabeth Carol, Jacqueline Sue, and John Nickolas. After Jack's passing, JoAnn later met another love, Doyle Sackhoff, with whom she shared more than 30 years of marriage until his death in 1991. Their daughter, Laura Frances, completed their family.
JoAnn remained active and social throughout her life. In her later years she began attending community events for retirees, where she found companionship and joy with her final love, Arden Putnam. The two enjoyed attending dances, gatherings, and many community events together and were united in marriage in 1998.
Throughout her lifetime, JoAnn worked in a variety of roles, each of which she embraced with dedication and enthusiasm. She was a hardworking and talented lady. Her final and most cherished position was as an in-home daycare provider, caring for many children who remained special to her long after they grew.
JoAnn was exceptionally creative. She loved working with wood and crafted many beautiful projects over the years. She was also an accomplished seamstress. In her later years, she found great joy in hand-sewing intricate Barbie doll clothes for her great-granddaughters. She also loved planting flowers, tending to her yard, and spending time outdoors. Her family will forever carry her memory deep within their hearts.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Alice Cox, and by her beloved stepmother Frances Cox, who lovingly raised her from age two to adulthood. She was also preceded by her first husband Jack Mayes and her second husband Doyle Sackhoff; sons-in-law Bill Schultze and Brian Pahls; daughter-in-law Janet Mayes; grandson Blake Mayes; sisters Barbara Snedker and Marjorie Bales; and brothers Charles "Sonny" Cox and Dee Arden Cox. Step daughter Patricia (Tricia) Putnam.
She is survived by her husband Arden Putnam Downs, KS; daughters Beth Schultze. of Osborne, KS, Jaqui Conrad (Carlyn) of Sylvia, KS, and Lauri Pahls of Tipton, KS; son Nick Mayes of Wichita, KS; and sister Mary Cox McKay of San Antonio, TX.
JoAnn was blessed with 13 grandchildren: Amy (Brandon) Miller, Angie (Jerrad) Goheen, Eric (Lindy) Schultze, Bryan (Amanda) Schultze, Tyler (Chelsea) Schultze, Jessica (Travis) Mathes, Travis (Ai) Conrad, Alicia (Dallas) Minks, Braden (Kacey) Mayes, Blaise Mayes, Dustin (Alisa) Pahls, and Ashley Pahls; as well as 26 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. JoAnn is also survived by her stepchildren-Steve Putnam, Rick Putnam, Lynn Henke and their families, including step-grandchildren who were very dear to her heart.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alton Christmas Light Display, a project she loved supporting and enjoyed with her family.
Cremation has taken place. Funeral arrangements are currently pending.