Joan (Collister) Somes

Joan (Collister) Somes was born February 10, 1932, in Terre Haute, Indiana to Glenn and Anna Mae Collister and was the youngest of four children. She passed on Sunday, August 7, 2022 in Goddard, KS. Joan is predeceased by her husband, Don and son, John. She is survived by her children, Lynn Marsh (Wally) of Ankeny, IA, Scott Somes (Christie) of Avon, CO, Kim Diederich (Gene) of St. Louis, MO, Brad Somes (Cathy) of Goddard, KS, Dan Somes (Beverly) of Lindale, TX, and Nancy Korroch of Wichita, KS, along with thirty-two grandchildren and thirty great-grandchildren. During high school, Joan was named Homecoming Queen and secretary of her class. After high school, Joan attended nursing school resulting in a 20-year career as a labor and delivery RN. Joan was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith and was influenced by the love of priests and nuns from an early age. When possible, she and Don attended Mass daily. She was a member of the Third Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. After retiring from nursing, she became a hospice volunteer. In 1979 she helped start hospice in Wichita with Dr. Harry Hynes and a supporting committee. She was influenced by the challenge of caring for her own father in her home at the end of his life with limited resources and support. She later cared for her father-in-law in a similar manner. Don and Joan were married for sixty-seven years. They were best friends and exemplified a loving, faith-filled marriage. They jointly parented seven amazing kids in a 3-bedroom house at 4011 Hammond Drive, inspiring them with faith, work ethic, love of the outdoors, and service to others. Holidays and birthdays were made special by Joan. She was a self-taught seamstress and always had a place at her dining room table for someone lonely or in need. She was uniquely beautiful inside and out with stunning blue eyes to match her favorite color. Grammy Love was beloved by her grandchildren connecting with each in her own unique way. She was a spunky, fierce competitor and renamed Slammy Love by the two grandsons she handily beat in a Ping Pong tournament during a family trip to Colorado. Joan instilled in her family a deep belief in the Heavenly Father. We will miss her but take comfort knowing she has now accomplished her lifelong goal of experiencing the glories of Heaven. Rosary will be at 9:30 am, Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am, Thursday, August 11, 2022, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. The service will be live streamed through the church's YouTube page, or by clicking "Watch Event" below. Private Family Interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Harry Hynes Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202, or Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 124 N. Roosevelt, Wichita, KS 67208. Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.

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