In Loving Memory of Joni Gruelle (Keating) Wannamaker (1942–2025)
With heavy hearts and deep respect, we share the passing of Joni Gruelle (Keating) Wannamaker, who left this world peacefully on May 11, 2025, in Rome, Georgia, at the age of 82. Joni was a beacon of warmth, creativity, and compassion—a woman whose life was rooted in love for family, passion for storytelling, and a commitment to nurturing joy in others.
Born and raised in Coral Gables, Florida, Joni was a child of curiosity and kindness from the start. She went on to graduate from Mercer University, laying the foundation for a life of learning, service, and creative exploration. Her life’s path was one of depth and dimension, filled with meaningful relationships, artistic endeavors, and a fierce dedication to preserving the magic of childhood and imagination.
As the granddaughter of Johnny Gruelle, the creator of the beloved Raggedy Ann and Andy, Joni embraced her family’s artistic legacy with grace and a sense of purpose. She understood the timeless value of the gentle messages these dolls carried—of love, empathy, and wonder—and sought to share that legacy with the world. In 1998, she and her husband Tom Wannamaker co-founded the Raggedy Ann and Andy Museum in Arcola, Illinois. This joyful, heartfelt institution became a pilgrimage site for fans young and old, preserving not just artifacts, but the spirit of imagination that Johnny Gruelle brought into the world.
Joni didn’t just protect history—she brought it to life. Her warmth greeted every visitor as if they were a lifelong friend. She offered stories, smiles, and a genuine sense of welcome that made the museum feel like home. Through her efforts, generations of children and adults rediscovered the gentle wisdom of Raggedy Ann and Andy and the emotional comfort these characters represent.
But beyond her public work, Joni was known for something even more profound—her personal touch. She had a gift for making people feel seen, heard, and deeply valued. Whether you met her once or knew her for decades, Joni had a way of making you feel like you mattered. Her generous spirit, her unshakable optimism, and her gentle humor left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered.
Her life was a quilt stitched with creativity, kindness, and a deep love for others—a beautiful reflection of the world she believed in and worked to build. She lived with purpose and passion, and in her quiet, steadfast way, she changed lives.
Joni is survived by her beloved husband Tom, her family, and a wide community of friends, colleagues, and admirers who will carry her memory forward. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, the beauty she brought into the world—through her work, her words, and her actions—will continue to shine.
As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate her life—a life that radiated warmth, lifted spirits, and brought joy to countless people. We honor her memory by continuing to value creativity, to spread kindness, and to approach life with the same sense of wonder that she so naturally embodied.
Rest peacefully, Joni Gruelle Wannamaker. Your light, your love, and your legacy will live on in every story told, every smile shared, and every heart that continues to believe in the magic of childhood.