Bethany, MO: Joan Marie (Smith) Beals, 84, of Bethany, Missouri, passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024 at North Kansas City Hospital, in North Kansas City, Missouri.
Joan was born on May 31, 1940 in Washington Center, Missouri to Ira and Artie (Smith) Smith. She attended and graduated from Martinsville High School in 1958. She met John Ferrell Beals on a blind date. They were united in marriage on February 2, 1963 at Wesley Chapel Church in Washington Center and remained together for 61 years. Together they had two daughters: Leslie and Melanie. Joan and John spent most of their married lives on their farm Southeast of Bethany.
Joan enjoyed sewing, quilting, crafts, crossword puzzles, and cheering on her MU basketball team. She especially loved riding in the antique tractor parades with John on their 2-seater tractor. But most of all she loved being a part of her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s activities. When ever they had dance recitals, school programs, softball games, flag football, or soccer, she’d be there to cheer them on. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy.
Joan is preceded in death by her parents, Ira and Artie Smith; and sisters, Dixie Nichols and Donna Fish. She is survived by her husband, John Beals of Bethany, MO; daughters, Leslie Folgate and husband Doug of Ridgeway, MO and Melanie Harryman and husband Rob of Grimes, IA; grandchildren, Jason Folgate and wife Dawn of Bethany, MO, Emily Foster and husband Justin of Ridgeway, MO, and Katie Harryman of Grimes, IA; great grandchildren, Serenity Throckmorton, Brody Throckmorton, Rylee Folgate, and Henry Folgate; her twin brother, Jerry Smith and his wife Marilyn of Bethany, MO; and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Friday, December 6, 2024 at Roberson Funeral Home, 1107 S. 25th St. Bethany, MO 64424. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Roberson Funeral Home in Bethany. Burial will follow in the Miriam Cemetery in Bethany. Memorials are suggested to the 1st Baptist Church of Bethany, MO or the Miriam Cemetery. Online condolences can be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.