Joanne Drescher Caudill was born July 21, 1924, in Spencer, Indiana, to Morgan L. and Ruby Hickam Drescher. Her whole life was centered in the musical environment and heritage of her family. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Morgan H. Drescher and John L. Drescher. The family was involved in many phases of music performance, including string quartet, band, orchestra, and choral activities. Following graduation from Indiana University with degrees in Music Education and Master of Music Majoring in Piano Performance, she traveled briefly as a pianist before settling into the academic life as a professor of piano at Oklahoma Baptist University and then Marshall University. She was active in the Presbyterian Church throughout her life and continued serving as a performing pianist and chamber musician. Retiring to Arizona with her husband, Kyle, in 1980, she remained active in musical activities both as a teacher and as a performer in various organizations. Among her professional organizations were Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, Music Teachers National Association, and Music Educators National Conference. Her time in Arizona capped a successful career in teaching and performing what she loved.
Survivors include many cousins in Indiana. She will be buried in the family plot in the Riverside Cemetery in Spencer, Indiana. Joanne will be remembered fondly as a light to any life she touched.
In the 4 1/2 years that I lived in Tempe, I became fast friends with Joanne. We collaborated as a flute/piano duo during that time, and kept the friendship going even though I moved to Oklahoma over 30 years ago. Sometimes we didn’t communicate for a few years at a time, but when we did, it was as if no time had passed. (Now I wish that I had called her more often; our last visit was in 2019.)
She was like family to me and I will always treasure my memories of her warmth and sense of humor. I also have several pictures which KB matted and framed, another reminder of those two special people. My condolences to the various cousins.