JoAnn Phyllis Bartush, age 82, peacefully passed away on September 29, 2025, surrounded by her children and family. Born in Rockford, Illinois, to Kenneth and Magdelen (Bobbie) Kroning, JoAnn grew up attending Emmanuel Lutheran School for
grades K-8 and later graduated from East Aurora High School.
JoAnn’s life was rich with family, music, and faith. She shared her musical talents by playing the organ at church, using her gift to glorify God with every note. She found great joy in spending time with her family and close friends. Her exquisite crocheting
skills are fondly remembered through the unique, personalized Christmas stockings she lovingly created for her loved ones.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Magdelen Kroning. JoAnn is lovingly survived by her three children: Kris (Kevin) Burns, Brian (Julie) Bartush, and Wendy Murray; nine grandchildren: Heather (Donald) Rush, Erin (Dakotah) Wilson, Spencer Brickhouse, Maddy Burns, Kyle Bartush, Sarah Bartush, Avery Murray, Mackenzie Murray and Annika Ellis; and six great-grandchildren: Cameron and Lily Rush, Levi, Bella, Cody and Ava Wilson.
JoAnn’s legacy of love, faith, and creativity will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
In accordance with her wishes, the family will hold a memorial service at Emmanuel Lutheran Church 11/29/25 at 11:00 am with interment at Ridgeway Township cemetery on Ford Hwy. A celebration of her life, honoring the beautiful impact she made on this world, will follow at Ridgeway Township Hall, 103 W. Chicago Blvd, Britton Mi. 49229. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her honor to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 9950 Ridge Hwy., Britton, Michigan 49229. Arrangements are under the care of the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes.