Joan Beaver

Born Joan Jaunita Risley on February 26, 1932 in Los Angeles, California to William and Rose Risley.  The Risley’s both natives of Protection and Greensburg, Kansas, respectively. The family relocated to Kansas City when Joan/mom was 2 years old. In 1952, she married her childhood sweetheart, also of Kansas City Missouri, and raised four children and ultimately one nephew Patrick T. Mahoney.

Joan passed away March 21, 2018 at the Village Shalom Retirement Community in Overland Park Kansas where she had resided for 11 years.

Joan was preceded in death by her only sibling, Shirley Mahoney (aka “TT”); mother and father, the love of her life and father of her children, Billy J. Beaver; and her eldest son, Barry S. Beaver.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Denise D. Kranzberg of Overland Park, KS; sons Bryan J. Beaver and wife Nancy of Bucyrus, KS and Dr. Timothy A. Beaver and wife Cathy of Hanover, NH; nine grandchildren and eight great-granddaughters, most of whom reside in the Kansas City area.

Joan’s life would best be defined as a mother who made a wonderful home for her family. She was the ultimate hostess and threw many parties in her home, some with much planning and many on a moment’s notice. She hosted three of her four children’s wedding receptions at her home. She enjoyed the family’s time involved in the Abdallah Shrine Temple in Overland Park, Kansas where social events were used to raise funds for Shriners Hospital for Children.

Joan loved to dance and was versed in the Jitterbug with her husband of many years. Surely she is dancing the days and nights away in Heaven now. In Luke Bryan’s current Hit Single MOST PEOPLE ARE GOOD he sings; “I believe most people are good and most momma’s ought to qualify for sainthood”.  Well mom, we agree with Luke Bryan’s song and you qualified for Sainthood. May our maker enjoy watching you dance.