Joanne Just, 59, of Robins, returned to the Lord on Sunday April 2, 2006.  Celebration of Life: 11a.m. Saturday, New Covenant Bible Church, by Pastor Kim Pagel.  Private family interment will be held at Czech National Cemetery.  Immediately following the service at the church, friends are invited to a luncheon in Joanne's honor at the church.  Visitation will be held from 4 pm to 8 pm on Friday, April 7 at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids.

She is survived by husband Stephen Eckert, her daughter Tawnya Monnier and her son Kris Smith, both of Jacksonville, Florida, her parents Robert and Lucy Just of Cedar Rapids, Tawnya's husband John Monnier, Kris's abiding girlfriend Tiffany Klemetson who is considered as daughter-in-law, a step-son, Jonathan Eckert and wife Emily and children Maddox and Devon, of Wilmette, IL, and a step-daughter Heather Eckert, of Fairmont, WV.  She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

Joanne was born September 20, 1946 in Cedar Rapids to Robert and Lucy (Medulan) Just.  She attended Jefferson High School where she discovered her passion for art and theatre.  Bob Gueder, drama teacher at Jefferson, would have a large role to play in Joanne's life.  She attended Iowa State University from 1964-1968 where she graduated with a BS in Fashion Design, but more importantly, continued to pursue her passion in theatre with lead roles in productions such as Stars Over VEISHA.

While being a stay-at-home mom raising Tawnya and Kris, Joanne was blessed to have met Dick and Rosemary Felter, who owned Ar-Jay's.  She was led to the Lord because of them and they became life friends.  Joanne's religious beliefs took on new meaning.  She served the Lord and called upon His strength regularly throughout her life.

She started a career with Ar-Jay's and became a Certified Kitchen Designer.

Joanne was past president of Cedar Rapids Panhellenic and past member of St. Luke's Auxiliary Board, Christian Women's club, and Junior League.  She became a member of Gamma Phi Beta alum in 1968 and had remained active as secretary since 1971.

Love of theatre continued to be a passion.  She was an active member of the Follies cast from 1991-2005 where Bob Gueder, once again, would influence her life.  He and his wife Alo along with her fellow cast members were like family to Joanne.

Joanne also had many major roles in Theatre Cedar Rapids productions such as Steel Magnolias, Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Grease, Music Man, and 17 Days.  She also performed with Touch of Class singing group for 7 years.  The theatre is also where she met husband Stephen Eckert in 1991 where they were both volunteers—she was painting a background and Stephen was photographing her to illustrate how a show is produced.

They established Spotlight Images photography studio in 1994 and cherished working together.  She loved utilizing her artistic talents photographing weddings in beautiful churches and working with high school seniors during the week capturing a moment in time.

Through the years, Joanne grew to delight in flower and vegetable gardening, interior design, and cooking.  But nothing could equal the bond that developed with her daughter Tawnya and the proud feelings she had of son Kris's success as a golf professional.  Joanne enjoyed attending and being a member of New Covenant Bible Church for 33 years where she developed caring relationships with so may people.  She was such a warm and loving person making friends every where she turned.  Her passing has created a huge void, but her courage and strength will always be an inspiration for us all.  She will be missed deeply.  We love you.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be sent to one of the following: a memorial fund established in Joanne's name at New Covenant Bible Church, to His Women, Inc., c/o Evelyn Lacock, 4346 Regal Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids 52402, or to Aid To Women, 701 Center Point Road NE, Cedar Rapids, 52402.