Joan A. Noah, 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 in Valley Center, Kansas surrounded by her family.
She was born in Larned, Kansas to Rutherford R. and Maxine H. (Rhea) Drews. She lived in Larned until the family moved to Dodge City and later Wichita as her father graduated with the first Highway Patrol training class in the State of Kansas. Joan attended Wichita East High School (Class of 1955), working at Buck’s department store in the gift wrap department after school each day. After graduation, she attended Wichita State University and also worked as secretary of the Geology Department. It was there that she met her husband, Calvin Noah, a Petroleum Geology professor. Calvin had been born and raised in Graham County, Kansas on the Noah Family Farm. Joan and Calvin continued the farming tradition and operated farms in several counties in Northwest Kansas, which the whole family worked together. In addition, they owned an independent oil and gas company operating many oil wells in Central and Northwest Kansas. Upon Calvin’s death in 2015, Joan made the decision to continue running these businesses as President with her daughter managing day to day operations.
Joan enjoyed gardening; cooking (known for her lasagna at Christmas, deviled eggs, special Snicker cake on birthdays, pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, the famous Noah steak dinner); avid Shocker fan (she and Calvin had season tickets for many years); Royals fan; Chiefs fan; hostess of an annual block party on July 4th with sometimes 150 in attendance; was generous with her time helping neighbors and family; loved Mexican food and was obsessive about working puzzles.
Joan and Calvin were also instrumental in the creation of a local business favorite, Mosley Street Melodrama in Oldtown, Wichita. Joan personally helped bring to life Bloomerang Floral and Gifts in Kechi, Kansas. Both continue on as part of her legacy.
Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin, her parents, and a brother, Bill Drews.
A visitation with the family will be held Thursday, August 8th, 2024, at Chico’s Mexican Restaurant (4407 W. Maple, Wichita, Kansas) from 5-8pm in the evening.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be designated with the Alzheimer’s Association.
Condolences may be left with the family at www.bakerfhvc.com