JoAnn Ish

JoAnn Ish passed away August 25, 2026 in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 84 years. She was born March 7, 1942 in Omaha, NE. JoAnn is preceded in death by her husband, John Ish; and parents John and Vi Sloma. She is survived by her children Deborah Ish, Denise (Patrick) Hill, and Jon (Julie) Ish; grandchildren Alex (Jess) Hill, Ryan (Alejandra) Hill, Kayleigh (Jonathan) Kane, Emily (Cole Mahon) Hill, Torrie Hill, Brendan (Sidney Persinger) Hill, Jordan (Tessa) Ish, Janelle (Rider Taylor) Ish, Joelle Ish, and Jayden Ish; 5 great-grandchildren; brothers John (Jan) Sloma and Greg (Dorothy) Sloma; sister Pat (Rudy) Rosman; and nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

She was a woman of deep faith, extraordinary generosity, warmth, and a tender heart. Reunited now with her husband, "knight in shining armor", "Papa", John to whom she was married over 50 years. She treasured the family they built together; mother to Deb, Denise, and Jon. She was proud to be a Manager/Director with Home Interiors & Gifts (Celebrating Home), a licensed and ordained minister, radio host, and elder at Agape Christian Fellowship Church. But, of all the titles she carried, her favorite was given by her grandchildren, "Ammy".

At five years old, while living on a farm in North Bend, Nebraska, she would stand on her "tippytoes" in front of the mirror, putting tons of pin curls in her hair and a bow in each one "always trying to decorate something." When her family moved to the projects, an "ugly apartment" in South Omaha, she decorated it with anything she could find. That instinct to create beauty stayed with her throughout her life. She spent 37 years with Home Interiors & Gifts, bringing her creativity and eye for beauty into the homes of others, and "Bringing families together". She loved decorating, but she made people's lives more beautiful simply by being in them, and sharing the gospel.

Her other life calling started just as young. When she was around the age of ten, she would send her younger sister (Pat) to gather all the neighborhood children she could find. She had made a tent by hanging her father's old Army blankets over the clothesline, and there she would teach them about Jesus. That little girl grew into a woman whose life became devoted to sharing her faith and the gospel. Her favorite Scripture was Jeremiah 29:11, and she lived with an unshakable belief that God has a plan and a purpose for your life. She welcomed people into her home for Friday Night Bible Study, she wasn't interested in judging people, all were welcome. She shared "the good news" at the makeup counter, with her coffee barista, and/or anyone she was impressed that needed to hear it. She served as an Elder at Agape Christian Fellowship Church and host of her radio program "Count it All Joy" and "Words of Truth and Life" with Pastor Marshall McGee and later with her brother Pastor John Sloma.

She was devoted, compassionate, loving, beautiful, generous, fashionable, and had a strong presence, but there was a warm softness to her that made people feel welcome and open up. And then there was her laugh. She could laugh at almost anything. A funny movie scene, an animal, a Snapchat filter, something one of the grandchildren did, sometimes she would get herself laughing so hard that everyone else would start laughing too. "Here we go again" would only make her laugh harder.

Beginning when her first granddaughter was born, Saturday night was Ammy and Papa night. Pizza, ice cream, a movie, popcorn, and a sleepover, for over 30 years. Those Saturdays became some of the most cherished memories of all her grandchildren's lives.

"I love you, love you, love you, and I love you more," she would say, adding, "I can say that because I'm older and I have more love to spread!"

We love you more Ammy!