Jeanne Canaday

Jeanne Canaday, 90, Topeka, passed away October 4, 2017. She was born Winifred Jeanne Walkinshaw on January 25, 1927 in Red Bluff, California to Lena and John Walkinshaw. Jeanne was raised by her mother and stepfather, James Timmons.

She was an Emporia High School graduate. She married Bobbie Canaday in Emporia, June 19, 1946. Jeanne graduated from Newman School of Nursing in 1947 and later attended Emporia State Teacher's College. Jeanne was an active member of the First Christian Church and Christian Women's Fellowship in Emporia. She was an Emporia school district registered nurse for a number of years and also worked at Newman Memorial hospital. She was a member of Sweet Adelines. Jeanne worked for Habitat for Humanity as a Volunteer Coordinator when it was first organized in Emporia. Jeanne was an avid reader and an active member of Friends of the Library. She had a passion for the game of scrabble. Even as Alzheimer's robbed her of her short-term memory, remarkably, she continued to play a competitive game of scrabble. Jeanne enjoyed painting, writing poetry and attending to her wildflower and rose gardens.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband, Bobbie Canaday, who passed away as a young father in 1966. Others preceding her in death were her mother and father, a brother, Jamie Walkinshaw and his wife Marilyn, a half-brother, Samuel Timmons and stepfather, James Timmons, brother-in-law, Bruce Hoover, as well as, many very dear friends and relatives.

In 1970, Jeanne married Sam Crist expanding the family with two beautiful young children. They later divorced. Sam remained very dear to the family until his passing.

She is survived by her sons, Mark (Vicki) Canaday, Topeka, Paul (Lisa) Canaday, Washington State, Bruce (Marty) Canaday, Washington State and a niece who she raised as a daughter, Tammy Timmons Ruff, Smithville, Missouri. Jeanne is also survived by her sister-in-law, Joan Hoover, stepchildren, Casey and Renee, who remained close in her heart, precious grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at the First Christian Church, 202 East 12th Ave. Emporia, Kansas 66801. The family will greet friends for 30 minutes prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the First Christian Church in Emporia, the Emporia Public Library, 110 E 6th Ave, Emporia, KS 66801 or Midland Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Cir, Topeka, KS 66606. Interment of ashes will be at Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Emporia, Kansas.

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