Joan D. Ulmer, 91, died May 28, 2022, at Parkwood Village, Pratt. She was born July 15, 1930, in Partridge, to Frank C. and Edna B. (Waddle) Schardein.
Joan graduated from Partridge High School in 1948, and Emporia State Teachers College in 1950. She was a simple lady who excelled at being a wife, mother, homemaker, and teacher. Joan taught in one-room school houses and for 13 years, ran a nursery school out of her home in Greensburg. Known as the “library lady”, Joan read to hundreds of children over the years during “Story Hour” at both the Greensburg and Arlington libraries. Teaching and helping her students learn to read were a priority. While living in Greensburg, Joan was a member of PEO and Eastern Star. In addition, she was active in the Abbyville Community Theater and Abbyville Community Church. Joan was the “ultimate” church lady and loved teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. In addition, she wrote poetry, and had a number of her poems published.
On May 19, 1952, she married Harvey William Ulmer, Jr., in Huron, SD. He died August 31, 2016, after sharing over 64 years of marriage.
Joan is survived by: sons, Ronnie Ulmer (Joyce) of Newton, and Bradley Ulmer (Shelly) of Littleton, CO; and grandsons, Andrew Ulmer (Elizabeth) of Brooklyn, NY, Ayron Ulmer of Denver, CO, and Alex Ulmer (Kelsey) of Centennial, CO.
She was preceded in death by: her parents, and brother, Charles “Bill” Schardein and Donald “Bud” Schardein.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 4, 2022, at Abbyville Community Church, 201 West Avenue G, Abbyville, with Pastors Dale Levering, Keith A. Dellenbach, and Scott Moyer officiating. Burial will follow in Partridge Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary.