JoAnn (Gallon) Hiss, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend died May 7, 2020, at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. She was born Dec. 27, 1927, in Great Bend, the daughter of Elmer P. and Edna V. (Almquist) Gallon. She married Elward J. Hiss Jr., “Eldy” on Oct. 26, 1947, at the First Presbyterian Church in Great Bend. He survives.
A lifetime resident of Great Bend, JoAnn was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church and Presbyterian Women. JoAnn graduated from Great Bend High School in 1945. In her early years, she enjoyed employment as a bank teller and at Komarek Jewelers, later enjoying all aspects of family farm life. She was a past church school teacher and an elder of the church. She was a member of the Central Kansas Thread Benders Quilt Guild, Kansas Quilters Organization, American Quilter’s Society, life member of the Barton County Historical Society and enjoyed wheat weaving. She was a volunteer with special interest in the American Red Cross Blood program, serving the program for over a quarter of a century.
JoAnn and her husband, Eldy, were high school sweethearts and were fortunate to be married for 72 years. They loved their family, friends, and traveling to see the wonderful world.
Survivors include, her husband, Eldy; two sons, Richard L. “Rick” Hiss and wife Tina, and Elward James Hiss, III “Jim” and wife Melinda; and a daughter, Sandra K. “Sandy” Hiss, all of Great Bend; four grandchildren, Michelle (Aaron) Peck of Salina, Bradley (Nikki) Hiss of Great Bend, E.J. Hiss of Kansas City, Mo., and Veronica Hiss of Wichita; and three great grandchildren, Adia Peck, Noah Peck and Tony Hiss. JoAnn was preceded in passing by a sister, Jean Vollmer.
Due to current restrictions and mass gather limitations, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at First Presbyterian Church. Memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church or Barton County Historical Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. 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, May 10, 2020
