Joan Shade
June 4, 1931 ~ November 20, 2024
Born in:
Salina, Kansas
Resided in:
Pueblo West, Colorado
Joan Shade, 93, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. She was born to Lawrence and Mildred Headley on June 4, 1931, in Salina, Kan. and moved to Colorado as a part of a ranching business, and lived in Walsenburg area where she taught first grade. Joan attended college in Nevada, Missouri, and then at Kansas University, in Lawrence, Kan. She earned her masters degree in Elementary Education at Adam’s State in Alamosa, Colo.
Joan moved to La Veta, at the base of the Spanish Peaks and Sangre de Cristo Mountain range, where she taught first grade and also retired. She described La Veta as “beautiful summer country.” When snow became a problem, she moved to Pueblo, Colo. where she bought a home. She later moved to Primrose, then to The Villa, and afterwards to Cappella. Joan loved the Southwest Arts, crafts and history, as evidenced by her home furnishings and book collection.
Joan is survived by her cousin, Kathleen Petit of Pueblo; niece, Deann Thomas and family of Chandler, Ariz.; and her good friend, Jill Homerding.
Preceded in death by her parents; and brother, J.Dee Headley.
Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Final resting place, Roselawn Cemetery in Salina, Kan. Online condolences, www.MontgomerySteward.com
Joan was a friend and colleague as we both taught at La Veta. I remember her as being a very caring and resourceful educater.
I am saddened to learn of Joan’s passing. We became acquainted through her interest in archaeology, which she pursued as a member of the Pueblo Archaeological & Historical Society. I have fond memories of her resolute nature, practical wisdom, and down-to-earth nature.
I have not seen Joan in recent months due to time spent assisting my father on the Western Slope, but I am grateful for the memories of my occasional visits. Joan will be greatly missed.
Please accept my condolences.
Carla