Joan O. Hale

Joan Olga (Nelson) Hale, 87, of Topeka, passed away on November 8, 2021 at home. She was surrounded with love and will be missed by many.

She was born on May 2, 1934 to Thomas Hendricks and Helga Emelia (Bache) Purdue in Horton, Kan. Joan graduated from Huron High School in 1952 in Huron, Kan.

Joan worked for Southwestern Bell and AT&T as a telephone operator. She started her career in Huron and continued it in Atchison and Topeka where she later retired in 1985.

She was a Past Worthy Matron of Helena Chapter 210, and a dual member of Beulah Chapter 34 Order of the Eastern Star, Asian Toltec Rite #1, Topeka Assembly #24 Social Order of the Beauceant, Telephone pioneers of America, Union and Local #601. She was active in Job’s Daughter’s International Bethel since 1970 where she served as Secretary, and received the Golden Cloak Award and was awarded the Silver Lining award. She enjoyed reading cook books, embroidery, and naps with her cats.

She married Wayne Elbridge Nelson on July 2, 1955, and they had three daughters. He preceded her in death July 19, 2003. She later married Walter Hale on June 3, 2006, he preceded her in death on December 26, 2014.

Joan is survived by her daughters Johanna (Larry) Flott, Helga Nelson, and Olga (Craig) Strever; eight grandchildren, Gabrielle (Peter) Smith, Lura (Josh) Colson, William Elbridge (Deborah) Huckaby, Henry Flott, Kristine (Ethan) Timmerman, Jaylene (Dalton) Strever, Kaylene Strever, and Collene Strever; three great granddaughters, Kailee, Hallie, and Avi.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services were held Sunday, November 14, at Parker Price Funeral Home. Graveside service was on Monday, November 15, at Miller Cemetery in Everest, Kan. in Brown County.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Croix Hospice Care and sent in care of Parker Price Funeral Home.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.parkerpricefh.com