Joan J. Gartner

Joan J. Gartner, 81, of Altamont, passed away the morning of Monday, December 2, 2024, at her home.

Joan Janice Pruett was born on November 20, 1943, to Lawrence and Lucille (Sauer) Pruett in Maryland.  As a young girl, she moved with her family to Kansas, where she grew up and attended school.  After graduating from Parsons High School, Joan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.  She later earned a master's degree in education from Pittsburg State University and the qualification as a Kansas Licensed Reading Specialist.

In earlier years, Joan worked as an accounting clerk for Helzberg Jewelry chain in Kansas City, Missouri.  For 25 years, Joan was an elementary classroom teacher and reading specialist.

Devoted to her Christian faith, Joan was an active member of the First Christian Church in Parsons, where she served on the church building committee, the church board, as the church librarian and as a trustee.  She also served on the USD 506 Board of Education and had memberships in professional education organizations.  Over the years, Joan was also a member of different quilting and art groups.

She was an avid reader, skilled seamstress and quilter and art painter.  In her own words, Joan said that she "loved watching my family grow up and took great pride in the special person each family member became."

Joan married Charles R. Richison, Jr., and to this union a son, Robert, was born.  The couple later divorced.  On December 17, 1965, Joan and Jerry E. Gartner were united in marriage.  He preceded her in death on August 9, 2020.

Survivors include:

Three sons – Robert Gartner (Jenny); Chad Gartner (Kim) and Cory Gartner (Chris)

Six grandchildren – Gage Gartner (Chelsey); Tyler Gartner (Dalin); Regan Adamson (Colton); Madison Gartner (Aaron); Erica Gartner and Ryan Gartner

Five great-grandchildren – Weston, Kelson, and Riftyn Adamson; and Lane and Lacey Gartner

One sister – Joy Baze

One brother – David Pruett

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends

The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Altamont.  Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Altamont.  The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m., until the service begins at the church.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and The 506 Foundation.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS  67357.