Joan Etta Olson, 81, formerly of Wichita, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 28 with her daughters at her side.

Born January 5, 1944, in Newton, Kansas, Joan's arrival was marked with small-town fanfare. As the first baby born in Harvey County that year, the town showered the family with war bonds and gifts from local merchants. The daughter of Dale Harold Shuler and Angeline Mary (Malone) Shuler, Joan was the youngest of the four "Shuler Girls" and quickly gained a reputation for being a daring tomboy and "spitfire." She spent her childhood on the family farm, surrounded by wheat, horses, and her beloved barn cats. After graduating from Newton High School in 1962, Joan earned her nursing degree from St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in 1965.

For more than 40 years, Joan worked as a registered nurse in Wichita, Kansas, serving patients in intensive care, labor and delivery, psychiatry, and skilled nursing. Known for her thoroughness, strong work ethic, and trusted medical expertise, Joan cared for her others with respect and compassion. As her own health declined, she took pride in managing her own care, "charting" daily, and making informed and sometimes inspired medical decisions.

Joan is survived by her daughters, Kimberly Olson, Kelly Seward (Michael), and Jacqueline Presson (Don); her grandchildren Jacob Benson, Luke Benson, Mattilyn Joan Presson, and Max Presson; nieces and nephews; and her former husband, Ron Olson (Suzan).

An unwaveringly loyal mother and friend, Joan was the keeper of confidences, protector of memories, and the anchor that held. She was a generous listener who offered advice only when asked. When storms arose, her phrase "this too shall pass" were not only words she believed in, but counted on. She was a second mother to many and a "best friend" to her oldest grandson.

Although Joan was a private person, she saved every card, letter, and note from those she loved. Her relationships ran deep and she cherished her family above all else. She never gave up on anyone or anything; even straggly, old house plants received her careful and steadfast attention.

Joan had a creative spirit, a sharp mind, and a wonderful sense of humor. She laughed easily and took joy in gardening, birds, driving country roads, being in and around water, and Kansas sunsets. She was a fierce Scrabble and card player, a lover of mystery shows, and wonderfully curious.

Her family takes comfort in knowing she left this world exactly as she lived in it: strong, decisive, and surrounded by love.