Joan Ann Butts

Joan Ann Butts was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania on January 6, 1934 to John and Esther Street. In 1949, Joan’s family moved to Vienna, Austria, and then, to Garmisch and Munich Germany. Joan graduated from Munich American High School. Returning to the United States, Joan graduated from the University of Arkansas. In 1969 Joan and her sons Allan and Greg moved to Chandler, Oklahoma, where Joan taught Senior English for over 25 years. During this time, Joan received a Master’s Degree from UCO. Joan’s exuberant and scholarly approach to her subject allowed countless seniors to learn more about English than they ever knew was possible. This is evidenced by frequent conversations Joan had with former students who recalled, with affection, being in her class. After her retirement, Joan travelled extensively in Europe, and spent a month each winter in Bucerias, Mexico. Joan was very generous with her time after her retirement. She was a dedicated docent at the Oklahoma City Zoo, and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. In Chandler, Joan was on the City Council, and a member of the Chandler Library Board. Joan was an animal lover, and donated generously to animal charities. Her beloved Meggie, Cindy, and Max were her constant companions. Joan loved to entertain. Her family and friends have wonderful memories of sitting around her dining room table, enjoying marvelous food and her loving hospitality. Joan’s mental clarity remained sharp until the end of her life. She was an avid reader, and worked several crossword puzzles every day. Joan is survived by her sons, Allan and Greg Crump, Allan’s wife Sue, Greg’s daughters Carey and Amy, and her brother Jim Street. Also, step-children Lynne and her husband Tony Beeson of Tulsa, their daughters Sarah Beeson and her son Sutton, Anne and her husband Johnathan Cates and their children Lilly, Henry, and Collins; Ben and Jeanie Butts of Oklahoma City, their daughters, Zoe Butts, Alex and her husband Sean Brady, and their daughter Mille; Anne and Manny Sanchez of Yukon, and their children Zach and Gracie. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Ed, and her husband, Ben Butts. Joan’s family would like to thank Joan’s dear friend and companion Cheryl Schumacher for the friendship and loving care she bestowed on Joan and her family. There will be private graveside burial for the family only. Viewing at Parks Brothers Funeral Home will be Wednesday October 28, 2020, noon until 8:00 p.m. Online condolences can be made at www.parksbrothers.net. Care Services provided by Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to “Friends of the Chandler Library”- (501C3) 1021 Manvel Avenue, Chandler Oklahoma 74834.