Joann Marie Swank

Joann Marie Swank passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023. The elder of two daughters of John and Irene Rice, Joann was born November 26, 1929, grew up in Kansas City, and graduated from Southeast High School. She attended Kansas City Junior College, where she met her life-long sweetheart Rick (Lee Richard). The two were married February 26, 1949 and shared sixty-four years together. Many of their happiest times were spent on the golf course and the dance floor. Before having children, Joann was an illustrator at Ford Aircraft. Throughout her life, Joann was an artist, working in pastels, ink, watercolor, acrylic, oil, and clay sculpture. Joann was preceded in death by her parents, husband, grandson Patrick, and son-in-law Dan. She is survived by her sister Nancy; children Holly, Casey, Sally, and John; daughter-in-law Mary; grandchildren Hilary, Anna, Sophie, Emma, Lucy, Taylor, Zachary, Asher, Crispin, Erica, Madison, and Wade; thirteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She will remain forever dear in the hearts of those who loved her.