Joan Barbara Ward

Joan Barbara Taylorson was born on October 16^th, 1929 in Providence, Rhode Island to Raymond B. Taylorson and Gertrude C. Taylorson, nee Campbell.

At an early age, Joan began baking, and from that point on anyone who came into her home was always greeted by delicious cookies or other sweet treats. She also developed a fondness for dogs, especially Wheaten Terriers, and riding horses was a special part of her early life. Her father started her interest in sports, which continued throughout her life. She enjoyed baseball early on and fell in love with football after seeing Lenny the Cool and Chiefs win Super Bowl IV.

She was a very independent individual who attended college (a remarkable achievement for the era) and would perform all types of work around her home. It would come as no surprise to drive up and see her on a ladder painting the exterior of her home.

She married William (Bill) Paton and gave birth to her daughter Vicki Paton.

Joan’s second marriage was to R.H. (Bud) Ward, and Bud’s work transfer brought both of them from the east coast to Kansas. Joan gave birth to sons, Craig Ward and Scott Ward.

Though a proud Rhode Islander, she remained in Kansas and developed many strong friendships, including the gang on Lockton Lane and with members of the Daughters of the British Empire.

Joan passed away January 29, 2023 in Overland Park, Kansas and is now reunited in the afterlife with her father, mother, younger brother Raymond B. Taylorson Jr and niece Linda Taylorson.

Joan is survived by daughter Vicki, grandkids Michael and Seth, son Craig (wife Michele) and grandkids Grace and Taylor, son Scott (wife Marisela) and grandkids Haley and Ethan, sister-in-law Janice Taylorson and nephew Brian Taylorson.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Alzheimer’s or Dementia research.