Joan passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on February 2, 1943, in Herington, Kansas. She was the daughter of Bud and Edna Iiams. Joan graduated from Herington High School in 1961, Emporia State University in 1965, and received her Masters Degree from Kansas State University.
Joan taught for 36 years at Washington Elementary School in Junction City. She taught 2nd and 3rd grades as well as a 3rd-4th combo. She was a John’s Hopkins Trainer for Success for All Reading Program for her school.
Joan had many hobbies including sewing for herself, family, and friends, she made many gorgeous quilts, enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, loved traveling - toured all 50 states and collected souvenir shot glasses from every state, vacationed in many foreign countries, and created beautiful memory photo albums, enjoyed gourmet cooking, and was a true animal lover of dogs, cats, and horses. When she was younger, she owned several horses and enjoyed horseback riding. She was a member of KNEA her entire teaching career, also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.
Joan is survived by her son, Jeff Turner, (Jodi), grandchildren, Grant, Rachel, and Tara; her son, Jamie Dodd; Archie Moore was her wonderful companion for 23 years. He helped her and stayed by her side; her sister, Judy Domke, (Kerry), her nephew, Ethan Domke, (Mindy), Dylan and Clara, her nephew, Nicolas Domke (Sarah), Josephine and Sofia; and many dear friends and family members.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 14, at 10:00 a.m. in Sunset Hill Cemetery in Herington.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Accord Hospice or the American Cancer Society in care of Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, 404 S. Broadway, Herington, Kansas 67449. Please sign her online guest book and leave a memory of Joan at www.ymzfh.com.