Joette Ruth Kane

Joette Ruth Kane 1944 - 2023

After a long, hard-fought battle with dementia, Joette “Joey” Ruth Kane, age 78, of Hastings, MN, returned to her parents' side on the evening of Saturday, March 18th, 2023, surrounded by family.

Joey was born Thursday, July 13th, 1944, to Fern and George Simonson in Minneapolis, MN. Her name was thought up by her Aunt Hazel the night before her baptism, combining “Jo” for “G. I. Joe” and “Ette” for her grandmother. The baby of the family, Gordon and Carol - her older siblings - were already out of the house by the time Joey was running around. She never quite felt like an only child though, often fondly sharing stories of the many foster children who grew up with her, as well as the zoo of cats, turtles, and chickens that resided in their Hastings basement home. A favorite story was the tale of the first Siamese kitten to come to Hastings, according to Simonson lore. It is rare to find a photo from Joey’s childhood without a kitten or two under her arm. Joey has now returned to be held by her mother after losing her young in life. In her last months she spoke of Fern often.

After high school, Joey began schooling at Hennepin County School of Nursing in Minneapolis, MN. She graduated with excellent grades and married Stephen “Butch” Kane in August, 1965. They had been high school sweethearts, and Butch followed her everywhere her entire life. They purchased their one and only home just outside of Hastings, MN in 1966 and started their family. Brian Kane was first, with Christine Weisz following soon after. John Kane was their third child, and they all grew up alongside their respective, planted trees in the big yard that welcomed the play of eight grandchildren over the years. Joey always nurtured her flower gardens and helped Butch remember just when to put in his famous vegetable garden up on the hill by the horseshoe mounds. She fondly watched over the many birds, squirrels, foxes, and neighborhood chickens at the bird feeder over the years, often throwing leftover bread or scraps over the deck for them to nibble on.

Joey was a proud history nerd, avid reader, and excited traveler. She was able to go to Sweden, Ireland, Moscow, many Civil War battlefields, down the length of the Mississippi River, and many more places in her lifetime. That doesn’t even begin to cover the many miles she and Butch traveled around the country by car on road trips. Her home was always filled with new books that she was devouring, and many of them were American History themed, feeding her love for the past and learning.

Joey was preceded in death by Fern and George Simonson, her parents; Gordon Simonson, her brother; and Carol Wright, her sister. Joey is survived by Stephen “Butch” Kane, her husband of 58 years; her children Brian, Chrissy, and John, and their spouses; her 8 grandchildren; and many other friends and family whom she loved dearly.

Near and far, we want to thank everyone for loving and supporting her throughout her life and now remembering her in whatever ways she was bright in your life. Her grandchildren will remember her in the following ways: Hannah - chickadees, Grace - purple pansy flowers, Erin - grandma’s watch that Erin now wears, Malaya - Cece the Siamese cat, Coleen - all of her chickens, Therese - having a little pinky finger just like grandma and her finger puppets, Jack - flower gardens, and Charlette - birds.

Joey’s life will be celebrated with friends and family at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings, MN on Sunday, April 16th, 2023. Visitation starts at 11am; service at noon with a meal following. While Joey loved flowers throughout her life, she wishes for all memorials to be in the form of a charity donation or planting trees.