EDMOND, Okla. — Joan Kendrick, 91, of Edmond, Okla., died peacefully at her home on April 6, 2025 just shy of her 92nd birthday. She was born April 11, 1933 in Bazine, Kan., at the farm home to Harry and Carrie Rowe along with her twin sister, Jane. Joan attended school in Bazine and graduated Valedictorian of her high school class in 1951. She went on to attend two years at Colorado Women’s College and then received her elementary education degree from Kansas State University in 1955. Her first teaching job was at a rural one room school named High Point where she taught seven of the eight grades. In addition to lesson plans for seven grades, she had to get there early to start the fire to heat the school, supervise the playground, and then be the janitor after the kids went home.
Joan later moved to Great Bend, Kan., to teach school. She was set up on a blind date with Joe Kendrick and they eventually married on July 24, 1960. They lived in Great Bend, Plainville, and Russell, Kan., before moving to Edmond, Okla. in 1976.
Joan enjoyed reading in addition to the book club selection, playing bridge, her volunteer work at the OKC Civic Center, Esther Women’s group, P.E.O and helping with tour of homes. She had been employed by the OKC and Edmond public schools.
Joan was also known for her made from scratch pies and made sure at Thanksgiving to bake all the favorites for the family members. That might mean up to six pies going to the Texas group and making more for Tom’s gathering in Edmond.
She was an active member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church where she set up the annual bridge tournament for many years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Carrie Rowe; and husband of 56 years, Joe Kendrick. She is survived by her children and spouses, Kim Welch and Andy of Aledo, Texas, Tom Kendrick and Stacie of Edmond, Okla.; grandchildren Ryan Welch and Casey, Cullen Welch and Katie, Caleb Welch, Colin Kendrick; and great grandkids Lucas Welch, Oliver Welch, and Kaya Welch; her twin sister Jane Schwartzkopf and sister, Carol Park; along with nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Edmond, Okla. on May 3rd. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Edmond in lieu of flowers.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 17, 2025
