Joan Reneau

It is with great sadness we mourn the passing of our mother, Joan Reneau, July 30, 1930–July 31, 2025. She had just turned 95.

Joan was born in Dunlap, Iowa to Dacy and Dallas Poe. She grew up in Washington state and Council Bluffs, Iowa during the Great Depression and WWII, both of which forever marked her—she remained frugal for herself throughout her life though she gave freely to her family and charitable causes. She met and married James Reneau in 1950, after he had returned from WWII service in Europe and finished his undergraduate college degree and most of his masters degree. They relocated to Independence Missouri while Jim was working on his Ph.D because of a job offer with Kansas City schools and because Jim’s brother Bob was raising his family in Independence. Jim and Joan enjoyed a wonderful marriage and friendship until Jim’s death in 2017.

Joan was active in Young Matrons, League of Women Voters and her PEO chapter in addition to church involvement over the years. She was a member of the Outreach Restoration Congregation in Independence.

She is survived by two of her three children, Laura (Geoffrey) Reneau Schulman of Colorado Springs, Co., and Elizabeth (Ted) Reneau Combs of Independence, Mo. A son, James Paul Reneau, predeceased his parents.

She is also survived by grandchildren, Jeremiah Jennings of Mission, KS, Amanda Kroesen (Sam) Independence, Mo, and Zachary Combs, Independence, Mo., Great grandchildren Alex (Emily) Jennings, Carmen (Nick) Croan, Elias Kroesen, Isaac Combs and Izabel Combs and one great-great granddaughter Abigail Jennings.

Joan was predeceased by her parents and her sister Polly Easterhouse, but leaves two very loved sisters, Judy Keele and Pam Mathena (Don) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Benton House in Blue Springs, Mo., and our mother’s hospice team from Ascend Hospice Services. All of these dedicated workers helped Joan thrive during her last months. We are forever grateful to them.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, August 30 with visitation at 2:00 followed by the service at 3:00. Speaks Funeral Home, 18020 E. 39th St. South, Independence, Mo.

You were a wonderful mother and friend, mom, and we’ll miss you so much! Your memory will forever be a blessing.