Joan Elizabeth Werth, 90, passed away Sept. 14, 2026, at Brookdale Senior Living, in Great Bend, Kan. She was born Nov. 17, 1935, in Schoenchen, Kan. to Julius and Bridget (Jacobs) Werth. She married Leon A. Werth Aug. 30, 1955, in Schoenchen. He passed away Jan. 16, 2017.

Joan worked alongside her husband as a secretary for their family-owned business, Leon Werth Plumbing, Heating, and Air, until her children took over operations. Leon was quite the salesman and was awarded many international trips to Ireland, Germany, and many more to which he always took his favorite travel partner, Joan. She reveled in seeing the different cultures, cuisines, history, architecture, and spending quality time with her husband. Locally, her and Leon would load up the camper and find peace at Lake Wilson with their kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. She took much pride in her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, following them for all their accomplishments.

Joan was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose Catholic Church and served on the Altar Society. She was a faithful member of the Red Hat Society and loved getting together with her friends and supporting women. Joan treasured a good card game and was skilled in pinochle, bridge, and pitch. It was her time to meet up with friends and make memories.

Survivors include sons, Keith Werth and his wife Ann of Great Bend, Neil Werth and his wife Fran of Great Bend, Kurt Werth and his wife Dionne of Cimarron; daughters, Colleen Kohls and her husband Doug of Great Bend, Michelle Schenkel and her husband Todd of Topeka, Denise Thole and her husband Tony of Olathe; sisters, Norma Klaus, Emily Pfeifer, Clairella Jacobs, and Cynthia Anschutz, all of Hays; brothers, Leland Werth and his wife Janice of Ellis, Les Werth and his wife Shirley of Schoenchen; 18 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren, with two to arrive soon. She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband of 61 years; brothers-in-law, Duane Klaus, Danny Pfeifer, Wayne Jacobs, and Roger Anschutz.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Great Bend, with Father Amir Duraisamy presiding. Burial will be held at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, at St. Anthony Cemetery in Schoenchen. Visitation is available from noon to 8 p.m., Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, with an Altar Society Rosary at 4 p.m. and a Vigil at 7 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials may be made out to Brookdale Activity Fund or Prince of Peace Parish, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 17, 2026