Joan Fern Farquhar

Joan Fern (Swanson) Farquhar was born October 15,1936 in Maryville, MO at the old St Francis Hospital to Stanley and Fern (Jefferies) Swanson. She passed away on March 4, 2026, at Oak Pointe in Maryville. She spent her early life in Hopkins, MO and graduated from Hopkins High School in 1954. Joan graduated from Cottey College in Nevada, MO with an Associate of Arts degree in 1956 and received her B.S. in Music Education from Kansas University in 1958. She married her high school sweetheart, Ed Farquhar on June 8,1958 at the Hopkins Christian Church. They spent the first 4 years of married life in Ames, Iowa where she taught music at United Community Schools while Ed earned his PhD in Chemistry at Iowa State University. They then moved to Emporia, KS for two years before moving to Maryville in 1964.

Joan loved music, especially teaching children, giving piano lessons, and enjoying all church music. She taught elementary school music at several Nodaway County schools, including 14 years at Northeast Nodaway, and she gave piano lessons for many years. Not only did she teach music, but she was also very involved with the music programs at First Christian Church for nearly 50 years. There, she directed all the vocal music choirs at various times and started the popular hand bell choirs. For 20 years, she organized and directed ecumenical bell concerts that were held at the Houston Auditorium.

In addition to her involvement with the First Christian Church, Joan was a dedicated member of several organizations. She was a 71-year member of P.E.O, a member of the Nodaway County Historical Society, a member of the Nodaway County Association of retired school employees, and a long-time active member of the Mosaic Auxiliary. She enjoyed working in the gift shop at the hospital. She and Ed also enjoyed their time as members of the Levis and Laces Square Dance Club.

Joan made many beautiful cross-stitch pictures, baby bibs, and magnets that she shared with family and friends. She also enjoyed photography and shared her photos on the greeting cards she sent. Her photos often captured the travels she enjoyed. She and Ed were able to travel extensively around the U.S. and abroad. Alaskan cruises and trips to Korea, Russia, and Europe were highlights for her.

Above all things, Joan’s greatest joy was her family. She loved being a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was always excited for any kind of family visit, especially the special occasions when we were all together. She always had a picture of them to share!

Joan was preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law, Beverly Swanson. She is survived by her devoted husband, Ed, her brother, Duane Swanson, and her children: Louise (Mark) Midland, Virginia Beach, VA, Carl (Sheila) Farquhar, Arlington, VA, Tim (Angela) Farquhar, Milton, GA; grandchildren Katie (John) Anderson, Virginia Beach, VA, Drew (Melissa) Midland, Oceanside CA, Austin Farquhar, Brooklynn, NY, Jordan Farquhar, London, England, Morgan (Sam) Stalvey, Atlanta, GA, Collin (Morgan) Farquhar, Denver, CO; and great grandchildren Lane and Ellie Anderson, Chiara and James Midland, and Truett Stalvey.

Memorials can be given to P.E.O. Chapter HT. Care of Bram Funeral Home.