Joan Yvonne Worley

Joan Yvonne Worley, passed from this life to her heavenly home on Sunday, July 17, 2022, in Council Grove, her lifelong hometown surrounded by her family. The day was her half birthday, making her 92 1/2 years in age.

She was born January 17, 1930, to Frank and Dorothy Bolte, the third of the four Bolte girls born to the couple.  She graduated from Council Grove High School in 1948.

She grew up during the depression. Coupled with the fact that her father was electrocuted while working as a lineman, and left her mother with the four girls at the ages of 2, 4, 6, and 8, very conscious of the importance of saving and spending wisely.  She remained conservative in nature and tended to prefer the status quo, but once a change was made or happened, she knew how to adapt and became a champion in any new endeavor.  One example was overcoming the fear of water and learning to swim in adult classes at the same time her children were taking lessons, eventually becoming a good swimmer and going swimming with her children for many summers.

She married her husband Ross shortly after graduating from high school in 1948. After Ross passed away in July of 2018, Joan maintained and remained in their home until she became ill the last 3 months of her life.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Dorothy Bolte. Stepfather Dodge Lane, sisters Beulah Mae Craig and Ruby McCaleb, and grandson Jason Worley.

She is survived by sons Michael and wife Charlotte, Olathe, David and wife Connie, El Dorado, and daughter Amy and husband Jim Winter, St. George; six grandchildren Sara McCue and Eric Worley (Barbie), Olathe, Andrew Worley (Ashley), Maize, Amanda Holtzinger (Merek), Augusta, Megan Castrop (Nate), Olathe, Brent Winter (Emily), Lenexa.

She also leaves a sister, Mary Conwell, Rosenberg, TX, fifteen great grandchildren: Kirstin, Kayla (Trevor), Samantha, Alyssa, Jessica, Emma, Mila, Brooklyn, Lincoln, Ray, Eloisa, Everly, Jo, Adeline, and Isaac; and two great great grandchildren, Thaddeus and Lydia.

Joan was a member of the United Methodist Church for virtually her entire life.  During those years, she taught some Sunday school classes, devoted many years of service to the ladies funeral lunch workers committee, serving as chairman for many of those years.  She also worked for a number of years at the Thrift Store, as well as serving on the Thrift Store board.

She was active in various social clubs, such as the EHU Queen Bees, and enjoyed immensely playing in various Bridge Clubs.  She became quite skilled in bridge and other card games.  Members of her family can attest to her competitive spirit and zeal for winning.

Joan was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker.  She and her husband owned and operated the Montgomery Ward Catalog Store in Council Grove for approximately 15 years.  In 1984 they retired and enjoyed their later years helping and assisting their children and grandchildren in many projects.  

A visitation for family and friends will be at 10:00am on Thursday, July 21, 2022, at Council Grove/Dunlap United Methodist Church.  Services will follow at 11:00am, at the same location.  Internment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Council Grove Senior Center or to Council Grove/Dunlap United Methodist Church.  They may be sent in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, Box 273, Council Grove, KS  66846

Condolences may be left at www.sawyerchapel.com.