JoAnn Sponsler

JoAnn Sponsler, 90, of Jerseyville, Illinois, died Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville.

She was born May 22, 1936, in Greenfield, Illinois, the daughter of Garrel W. and Edith Barnes Sponsler. She married Lloyd Kirchner on December 12, 1997, in Annapolis, Maryland. They shared 30 happy years of marriage together.

JoAnn began a remarkable career in accounting and taxes at about age thirty. She purchased a bookkeeping service from her cousin, Bill Sponsler, in 1967 and continued to develop, operate and manage it until selling it in 2000 to Ken Loy and Associates. She did not stop there. She continued to work with Ken Loy until she retired at age 83, after more than 50 years of rewarding and successful work with clients who became lifelong friends.

JoAnn lived with a positive outlook and deeply believed in the goodness and energy that connects us all. She was an avid card and letter writer who never missed a birthday, anniversary or milestone, and she often sent a note for no reason at all simply to let someone know she was thinking of them and wishing them well.

She loved family gatherings and regular coffees, breakfasts and lunch outings. She was also an avid reader. You could always count on her being dressed in bright outfits with coordinated jewelry, and she cherished time with her beloved circle of local friends. She also, as her family will fondly attest, enjoyed good gossip shared with a smile.

JoAnn donated to many charities and to the families she sponsored overseas and will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Her husband Lloyd was the love of her life.

She is survived by her husband, Lloyd Kirchner; children, Charlotte Pedigo (Alan Stegner), MaryKay Pedigo (Dan Washburn), Vicky Pedigo, James Pedigo, daughter-in-law Debora Pedigo and stepdaughter Rachel Kirchner; grandchildren, Kendrick Pedigo Ballard (Ashley Ballard), Keaten Pedigo Mansfield, Aubrey Pedigo, Clare Pedigo, Savannah Kirchner, Marina Pedigo Washburn, and Dillon Parrish; great grandchildren, Caleb Wear and Zack Wear; and her husband's children and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Kenneth Sponsler, Ward Sponsler and sister-in-law Catherine; and granddaughter, Lindsy Pedigo Ballard.

A funeral service will be held October 20, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Greenfield, Illinois. Family will meet friends from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., funeral service to start at 12:15 p.m. Immediately following, the family invites everyone for a meal to celebrate JoAnn's life at First Baptist Church fellowship hall. Shields-Bishop Funeral Home in Greenfield is assisting the family with arrangements.

If you would like to make a donation in memory of JoAnn, she requested that it be sent to St. Louis Children's Hospital.