Joni M. Woodard

Joni Michelle Woodard was born to Gary Woodard & Cheryl Swartz on August 10, 1979. She passed away on February 6 ^th , 2023, at the age of 43 years, 5 months, and 6 days. She was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church.

Joni attended Fairbury High School and graduated with the class of 1997. She also attended Southeast Community College in the Nursing program and graduated in May of 2000 as an LPN. Joni had always wanted to be a nurse and take care of people.

She worked at Heritage Care Center for 21 years and was currently working at Good Samaritan of Beatrice, NE.

Joni was a big Kansas Jayhawk and Philadelphia Eagles fan.  She also collected Dale Earnhardt, Jr. collectables such as bears, books and stuffed animals.

Survivors are parents Mike & Cheryl Swartz, brother Jeremy (Maila) Woodard, nephews Dustin Cockett, Chris Berling and niece Juli Berling all of Oakland, NE, aunts Patricia Ruhnke, Mary Wiegert both of Fairbury, Janet (Ron) Jantzen of Jansen, Barbara (Steve) Alwin of Colby, KS, Sharon Schmidt of Fairbury, uncles Dennis Schmidt of Hiawatha, KS, Jim (Janice) Schmidt of Fairbury, Harry (Joan) Schmidt and Roy Malchow of Beatrice, lots of cousins, 2 ^nd cousins, 3 ^rd cousins and lots of friends.

Preceded in death by sister Jessica Woodard, grandparents, aunts Marilee Peri, Fay Malchow, Kathy Schmidt, uncles Roger Schmidt, Gary & Joyce Schmidt, Harold Wiegert, cousins Ron Walker and Timothy & Julie Schmidt.

Services will be Friday, February 10, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Fairbury. The family will greet friends Thursday evening from 6 – 8 at the funeral home.  Memorials will go to the Family’s Choice. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com