Joann Robertson Wiley died on April 19th, 2024 in Lawrence, Kansas with family nearby.
Funeral services will be held on April 27th at 1PM at the Garnand Funeral Chapel in Lakin, Kansas, 508 N Main St. A graveside will follow at the Lakin Cemetery.
Joann was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma on June 6th, 1924 to Arthur Evans Robertson and Jane (Jennie Lind) Bailey Robertson.
At the age of 9 her family moved to Hulbert, OK when her father became an administrator in the local school district. She graduated first in her high school class at the age of 16. Joann attended Northeastern State College where she graduated in 1945 with a degree in Business Education. She also worked at Camp Gruber Training Base in 1943 during the war effort. Joann took a teaching job in Lakin, KS in 1945 teaching Business Education, Typing and Shorthand. Here she met her future husband Clyde Coder Wiley Jr. They made their home in Lakin with their two children Linda Sue and Rob Conard.
At age 65 Joann retired from the Dept of Social and Rehabilitation Services, moving to Lawrence, KS to be closer to her family.
She became active in the Lawrence community joining multiple clubs including the Lions and Kiwanis, Town and Country Republican Women, the New Horizons Band, and became a Silver Haired Legislator. Joann remained physically active, enjoying bowling and golf into her 90’s. She was an avid supporter of all things Jayhawk.
Joann was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Arthur Evans and Don Alfred as well as her husband Clyde and their son Rob.
Joann is survived by her daughter Linda Wiley Hasler and her three grandsons Robb Ryan and Edmee, Travis Evan and Sami, and Chad Aaron and Heather. She adored her three great grandchildren Kaelum Robb, Henry Howard and Georgia Josephine.
She is also survived by her brother Wade Hampton and Alice, nephews Mark and Bruce, and nieces Melanie, Donna and Nancy. Joann is also survived by her Lakin family the Hayzletts and the Coders.
Joann embraced her life to the fullest and her mantra at the end was ‘Live Life’.
A Special thank you to the wonderful caregivers at both Brandon Woods and Monterey Village.
Memorials can be made to Douglas County VNA & Hospice (in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044) or the GoFundMe that touches your heart.
Joann was a haiku master, with one of her last poems reading:
In Red Feathered Robe
The Cardinal Brings a Gift
Nature’s Ornament
