Joan Dibble

Joan Griffin Dibble age 68, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on April 2, 2018, peacefully in her sleep.

Joan was born September 20, 1949 in Philadelphia, PA to Harley and Evelyn Griffin.  She was raised in Topeka, Kansas and went to Gage Elementary School, Capper and Jardine Jr. High, and Topeka West High School from which she graduated in 1967. She attended college at Washburn University and transferred to University of Kansas and was a 1972 graduate.  She received her Master’s in Education from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA in 1991.

Throughout the 70’s and 80’s she had her own property management company, then after receiving her masters in 1991 taught special education.

She married her true love Landis Dibble May 29, 1970, and their son Bill Dibble was born in 1974.

She was a huge Jayhawk fan! and avid supporter of KU, as anyone would know by her wardrobe and her home of red and blue as to how much she loved her Jayhawks!

She was passionate about cooking and most of the time if you needed her, she was in the kitchen.  Her Italian heritage was one of her greatest joys.

She was a celebrated 50-year member of her beloved Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity.  Joan was initiated into the Alpha Mu Chapter at Washburn University in 1968.  She served in local alumnae positions and nationally as District President for northern California. After returning to Kansas, she served as the former Lawrence Area Alumnae Chapter President and Vice President of Membership, and Greater Kansas City Alumnae Chapter’s Panhellenic Delegate for the last three years.  Joan also assisted in extension for chapters at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and University of Kansas.  She proudly received the Alumnae Certificate of Merit, the distinguished award of her Honor Ring at Convention 2014, and her family will receive her 50 Year White Violet Pin.  Joan was passionate about her connection to local collegiate chapters and shared her love of cooking during recruitment and initiation events.  Many ZTA sisters share fond memories of socials, the annual holiday party and Toys 4 Tots toy drive hosted in her home.  She leaves a legacy that enriched and ennobled countless women through her leadership and service to the Fraternity.

Joan is survived by her husband Landis Dibble of 47 years and her son Bill, both of the home. Also surviving, her brother Bill Griffin of and his wife Vicki and their daughters Noelle and Annika of Leawood, Kansas.  Also, her brother in law Fred Dibble and his wife Tami and their children Laughlin, Colin and Paul, of McLean Virginia.  Also, her “daughter” Katherine Russo, husband Fred and their children Sarina and Marco of Roseville, California, and her “son” Gerard Ostebovik of Mill Creek, Washington.

A visitation will be held from 12-2 PM, on Friday, April 6, at Johnson County Funeral Chapel, 11200 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66210

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation for the Joan Griffin Dibble Memorial Scholarship can be made by check c/o Zeta Tau Alpha International Office, 1036 S. Rangeline Road, Carmel, IN 46032 or online at https://give.zetataualpha.org/GKC