Joann Woods

JoAnn Woods, Emporia, Kansas, died July 2, 2025, peacefully at her home surrounded by her family. She was 82 years old.

JoAnn was born on April 9, 1943, in Emporia, Kansas, the daughter of Edwin A. and Ione E. (Clow) Hinshaw. She married Ray H. Woods in Emporia, Kansas, on July 1, 1962. They later divorced.

Survivors include her children, Edwin (Sue) Woods, Emporia, Kansas; Jonna (Ray) Wilson-White, Kearney, Nebraska; brother S'Lee "Bud" (Marilyn) Hinshaw, Muskogee, Oklahoma; grandchildren Megan (Jacob) Miller, Mindy (Tyler) Phillips, Corey (Desi) Wilson, Caleb (Brittany) Wilson, Kenneth Wilson; ten great-grandchildren; and four nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, son Jerald Ray Woods, brother Jimmy D. Curtis, and her special friend Robert "Pete" Peterson.

JoAnn earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Newman Hospital School of Nursing, and worked as a nurse in the emergency room for twenty-eight years at Newman Regional Health in Emporia, Kansas. She belonged to the American Nurses Association, the Women's International Bowling Congress, and she was a member of the First Friends Church.

JoAnn enjoyed playing cards at the Senior Center. She was also an avid collector of mice. JoAnn could be found spending hours putting puzzles together, gardening, or tending to her ever-growing collection of plants, starting new plants from established ones.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hand-In-Hand Hospice, or Newman Division of Nursing at Emporia State University, and can be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas, 66801.

Cremation is planned. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, 605 State Street, Emporia, Kansas, 66801. The family will receive friends Monday, July 21, 2025, from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at Roberts-Blue-Barnett. Private family inurnment will occur later.