Joan Elaine Shelley

Joan Shelley, 86, of Lawrence, Kansas passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025 at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor, where she had resided the past two years.

Joan was born May 28, 1939 in Eudora, Kansas, the daughter of Hazel and Simeon Rothberger. She grew up with a passion for music, singing in the church and school choirs where she was known for her beautiful voice.

Joan’s life revolved around her three son’s Kent, Brad, and Galen. She was a wonderful, loving mother, a dedicated and devoted wife to Chuck and she loved her close circle of friends.

Joan was an exceptional cook who was passionate about preparing homemade meals for her family and friends. These meals included vegetables she had canned from the vegetable garden she and Chuck planted each year. They were well known at the Lawrence City Market where they shared their produce with local friends and customers. Plants and flowers thrived under her care as Joan was known for her “green thumb”. This was evident by the beautiful flower beds in her yard.

As her boys were growing up, sports was a large part of her life. She was a loyal and dedicated follower of her sons’ sporting endeavors and spent countless hours sitting I the bleachers cheering them on at football and baseball games.

Joan also enjoyed vacations camping with her family at various lakes in Kansas and Missouri experiencing nature with her husband and sons.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Hazel and Simeon Rothberger and her sister, Rosalie Fulks.

She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Chuck, her sons, Kent (MargE) of Olathe, Kansas, Brad (Stephanie) of Lawrence, Kansas and Galen of Anchorage, Alaska, five granddaughters and one great-grandson.

A visitation to honor Joan’s life will be held on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in her name to St. Croix Hospice for The Salvation Army, sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.