LARNED — Ruth “Joan” Rainbolt was born January 23, 1929, in rural Pawnee County, Kansas to Ellis Edward and Sarah Mabel (Bowman) Flick. 

Joan grew up on a farm south of Pawnee Rock and graduated from Pawnee Rock High School. While working at Doerrs in Larned, she met James Randles Rainbolt who became the love of her life. On September 24, 1950, they began a married life that continued for over 50 years. To this marriage was born three sons, Randy, Gary and Kale. 

Joan was a lunchroom cook for Sacred Heart School and USD 495 for many years. Later, she baked goods out of her home. Joan’s cinnamon rolls and snicker doodle cookies were well known throughout the region. When selling her wares at farmers market one had to get there early as she almost always sold out. Joan belonged to the United Methodist Church of Larned. She was an active member of the United Methodist Women and enjoyed working in the kitchen, planning and preparing meals for various church activities. Joan also was an avid bowler, and competed on the state level many times with her team. Jim and Joan enjoyed square dancing with friends. 

In her early family life, Joan was very busy keeping up the household for Jim and the boys. There was always a hearty meal ready in the evening. Joan especially loved her grandchildren and doted on them. She attended school activities and often volunteered to be the after-school shuttle. She developed a special relationship with each one. 

Joan is survived by her sons, Randy and his wife Debbie, Gary and his wife Terry, and Kale all of Larned; a twin sister Janice (Earl) Schmidt, Pawnee Rock; six grandchildren James Rainbolt, April Best, Garrett Rainbolt, Karlee Vosburgh, Kiah and Onya Rainbolt; five great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces. 

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jim (in 2006), and siblings Doris Drake, Betty Mohler, Edward Flick, Thomas Flick, and Sue Hazlett.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 2019 at Larned United Methodist Church, with Rev. Bethann Black presiding. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. with family present from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned. Interment will be in Pawnee Rock Cemetery, Pawnee Rock.

Memorials may be given to the United Methodist Women in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, KS 67550. 

Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Beckwith Mortuary

PO Box 477

Larned, KS 67550

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 30, 2019