Josephine Lorraine Spatz

Josephine Lorraine Spatz, 95, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025, at Cedarhurst of Topeka. Jo was born August 25, 1930, in Lebo, Kansas to Francis Eugene and Bertha Ercilla (Cartmell) Thorne. She was the youngest of nine children born to Francis and Bertha. Seven brothers – Nelson Eugene, Glen Evan, Russell Lowell, Alton Norman, Kenneth Duane, Dale Owen, Neal Warren and one sister- Ruth Geneva Gilman.

Josephine married Earl Dennis Spatz on June 3, 1951, in Lebo, Kansas. He passed away on November 30, 2022. They had two daughters, Denise Diane, and Cynthia Jo. Josephine was a dedicated homemaker and devoted mother. She focused on raising her daughters and supporting whatever they were involved in. She was volunteered by her girls to help with all activities and to drive what Jo loving referred to as the "Spatz Taxi."

Jo's passion for over 40 years was researching her family's genealogy. She volunteered with the Topeka Genealogical Society for many years, copying records at the courthouse, scanning records, and answering letters involving genealogical research through the Kansas State Historical Society's research department. She compiled and published "A Thorne Tree" the book of the Thorne family genealogy. She was immensely proud of that accomplishment.

Jo was blessed with five grandchildren. She spent countless hours at their activities but found herself most at home at their sporting events. Simply put, Jo was their most loyal, most giving, and ornery grandmother any grandchild could have had.

Josephine is survived by her daughters Denise Garrett and Cindy Smith; five grandchildren, Brett (Cherie) Garrett, Jessica Zeller, Nicholas (Catherine) Smith, Emily (Tyler) Dieker, and Kyle (Lindsay) Smith; nine great-grandchildren, Brecken, Daxton and Rhys Garrett; Hadley Zeller; Victoria and Benjamin Smith; Tessa and Colette Dieker and Sawyer Smith.

As Jo aged, she became outspoken and the following quotation reminds us of her:

"A grandmother will defend you to the hilt and say the things that need saying. It's a case of life experience coupled with her arriving at the age where she doesn't give a flying cuss about what anyone else thinks. That's what makes them special!" - author unknown

We will fondly remember her life and her favorite reminder to us, because "Gma Sez!"

Cremation is planned with a Celebration of Life luncheon to be held on December 13, 2025 @ 11:00am at the Spatz - Olivet Community Building, Olivet, Kansas. Please join our family in remembrance of Jo's life.

Donations in Jo's honor may be made to the Spatz-Olivet Community Center, C/O Elaine Reynolds, 388 B, Avenue, Lebo, KS 66856.