Anita Jo “Jody” Alexander, 90, of Galva, Kansas, passed away Saturday, August 19, 2023 at McPherson Hospital, McPherson, Kansas, surrounded by her family.
Jody was born in Canton, Kansas on August 6, 1933, the daughter of John Dale and Evelyn Mae (Brucker) Grant.
Jody attended Canton Grade School through 4th grade. The family then moved to Galva and she attended Galva Grade School 5th through 8th grades. She graduated from Galva High School in 1951.
Jody was united in marriage to Eldon Ray Alexander on February 10, 1952 in Galva, Kansas.
The young couple established their first home together in Galva. This union was blessed with the birth of three children, Daril, Darla and Diane.
Jody worked at Farmer’s Alliance after graduation until the birth of her first child. It was her pride and joy to become a mother and homemaker. The last two years of her life were spent as caregiver for Eldon, as he battled dementia.
Jody helped Eldon construct their home in Galva. She enjoyed camping and traveling. Sharing stories of the amazing three-month trip she and Eldon took to Alaska brought her joy. They traveled throughout the United States and Europe, and were able to find relatives in Sweden.
Dancing on Wednesday nights at the Jolly Mixers and enjoying a Waltz with Eldon, the love of her life, was something she looked forward to each week. She was often seen riding her bike around Galva with Eldon. Jody was devoted to her church and served as church treasurer for over 50 years. She was a Sunday school teacher, youth group sponsor, was involved with Vacation Bible School, and served on various committees. She and Eldon gave of their time with the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, serving those who had suffered losses through natural disasters. She was a Girl Scout leader and a member of the Jolly Jills Extension Homemaker Unit.
She enjoyed making THE traditional homemade chocolate cake or angel food cake for all the family's birthday parties. She loved cooking meals for the family and welcomed extras with a smile. Her motto was “The more the merrier!” She spoiled the family with delicious cookies and homebaked pies that no one could match. She jumped at every opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren by babysitting, caring for them when they were sick, or attending their school and sporting events. She loved bird watching, her flowers, feeding her squirrels, and spending time with her family. Jody often reminded herself and encouraged others during times of illness or stress that, “You can’t change it; it is what it is.”
Jody is survived by son, Daril (Kelly) Alexander of rural Galva, Kansas; daughter, Darla (Marvin) Westbrook of rural Canton, Kansas; son-in-law, Rick Remsberg of Leon, Kansas; 11 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren; her sister, Nona Rivas of Galva; and many other family members and friends.
Jody was preceded in death by her husband, Eldon; daughter, Diane Remsberg; great- granddaughter, Karsyn Alvord; her parents; and brother, Larry Grant.
Visitation will be held 5 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at Galva Community Church in Galva, Kansas.
Memorial Service will be held at 10 am on Friday, August 25, 2023 at Galva Community Church in Galva, Kansas with Tony Wedel officiating.
Memorials may be made to the City of Galva for Karsyn's Memorial Park, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Galva Community Church, and can be sent to Glidden-Ediger-Wiggins Funeral Home, 222 W. Euclid St., McPherson, Kansas 67460.