Joanne Stout

Joanne Stout, aged 85, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025, in her hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. Born on June 4, 1940, in Kansas City, Joanne lived a life enriched by her passions and the love of family and friends.

Joanne was a vibrant and independent woman with a profound love for the arts. She found great joy both in watching and performing in theatre, and she was a dedicated supporter of fine arts throughout her life. A trained pianist and skilled sailor, Joanne's interests were as diverse as they were fulfilling.

In the 1960s, Joanne met her beloved husband, Bob, when he came to Kansas City as a director for the Jewish Community Center. Their shared dreams led them to the Virgin Islands, where they moved to St. Thomas and embarked on an adventure of a lifetime. Together, they owned and operated a tourist sailing business, chartering their cherished yacht, The Dragon, for two decades. Tragically, in the 1980s, Hurricane Hugo devastated much of the Virgin Islands, including their beloved yacht. Not long after, Joanne faced the unexpected loss of Bob to a heart attack.

With resilience and determination, Joanne returned to Kansas City, where she found solace in the company of friends, family and the arts. Her love for theater often took her to New York, where she enjoyed numerous plays and musicals. Joanne cultivated many treasured friendships and delighted in attending movies and events with them.

Preceded in death by her parents, Craig and Shirley Rooney, her husband Bob Stout, and her brother Craig Rooney, Joanne leaves behind her brother, Mike Rooney, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who adored her. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of Joanne's life will be announced at a later date, as family and friends gather to honor her memory and the joy she brought to those around her.