Joan M. Rothe

As a child, Joan enjoyed riding horses and spending time with her nieces and nephews who were more like cousins. As the youngest of four siblings by several years, Joan was very close to her parents and siblings, and her nieces and nephews who were all close to her age. Joan attended a one-room schoolhouse during her early schooling years before moving on to attend Ransom Junior High and High School. She worked on the farm with her parents, milking cows and helping with other chores.

Joan met Gary Rothe, from Ness City, while she was working at the Ransom Soda Shop after high school and he was farming. In January 1956 they married. They initially lived in a small house outside of Ness City before deciding to move to Hutchinson where Gary started a floor covering business. Joan had multiple jobs during this time, but mainly focused on raising her growing family. Through the years, Joan and Gary made many friends, some of whom they maintained contact providing a lifetime of enjoyment. Joan’s warm friendships were a point of pride for her and she stayed in touch with friends from high school and beyond all these years.

After several years in Hutchinson, Gary and Joan decided to give their family an experience they had shared growing up - life on a farm near Little River, Kansas. From raising various types of livestock, having family and friend gatherings, and raising a large garden, the kids were engaged in many experiences that have stayed with them as treasured memories. They survived many blizzards and even the tornado in 1972 that ripped through Little River.

Joan loved being a mom to her kids and to her, taking care of them was the most important job. Even so, over the years, she wore many hats. She worked in a hospital, as a school janitor and as a shop owner. Joan’s last job was at JC Penny’s and she made many friends working there. They continued to stay in touch and do activities together long after they had all retired.

Joan had an exceptionally warm and welcoming personality. She will be missed by all who came to know her.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents (Ralph and Edith); her loving husband, Gary; her siblings (Theron, Vera and Gilbert); and her youngest son, Richard.

She is survived by her children Randall (Gwenn), Ronald (Yvonne), and Rhonda (Tony); daughter-in-law Tina; grandchildren: Ronnica (Doug), Riley (Amanda), Caitlen (Dorian), Caryn (Brent), Drew, Jacy, and Tory; and great grandchildren: Kaylee, Brooke, Martin, Ewan, Nolan, Elka, Brynn, Summer, and Finral.

A celebration of Joan’s life is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 11:00 am at Hillside Funeral Home West, 2929 W. 13th St N, Wichita, KS. Following the ceremony at 1:00 pm, there will be a gathering at the Maize Recreation Center (10100 W. Grady Avenue, Maize KS) for a light lunch and snacks to further celebrate Joan’s life.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff at Cheney Golden Age Home for the care she received.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate in her memory to Rainbows United, by mailing a check in memory of Joan to 3223 Oliver, Wichita, KS 67220; or the Kansas Food Bank, online at https://kansasfoodbank.org/how-to-help/donate-money/ or by mailing a check to 1919 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67211.