D. Joan Mishler

Darlene Joan Mishler
November 16, 1933 - September 15, 2022.
Dementia took her too soon from us!

Mom was born to Fay W. and Mary (Leonard) Tipping at their home in Parsons, Kansas. Her siblings are Robert Tipping; Evelyn Meisner; Dale Tipping; twin sister, Jeanea Hougland; and Jerry Tipping. She was married at the age of 17 - from this union was born Darrell (Ronda) Mishler, Cheryl Mahanes, Wanda Jean aka Jeanie (Steve) Ledford, and Eileen (Don) Lane. She was blessed with 15 grandkids, and 34 great-grandkids.

Mom trusted Jesus as her Lord and Saviour at Westside Baptist Church in Emporia, Kansas in 1956! Some of the ministries Mom served in through the years were the nursery; teaching Sunday School; helping clean the church; hosting many missionaries, and numerous visiting pastors and their families at her home; singing in the choir as a soprano (Although she couldn't find the correct note if she stayed up all night looking for it, she sang with her whole heart!); serving in the tape (yes, back when they were CASSETTE tapes) ministry; and keeping score every week for the many church leagues - basketball, volleyball, and baseball (spending all day Saturdays at the ballfield - from children's league through adults). When Mom could no longer serve physically, she continued to pray...and she prayed for her family every day.

Mom was well-known for her cooking - especially her delicious cinnamon rolls and chocolate sheet cake. (It is still up for debate whether we approve of her cleaning out the refrigerator and literally putting ALL the leftovers in a pot and serving it for supper!)

Mom worked hard her entire life - from factory work, to cooking for a fraternity or elementary school, and ending up an Administrative Assistant - all without a high-school diploma, because her father thought a Junior in high school was enough schoolin' and put her to work to help support the family. As she raised her young family, she worked a hard 8-hour day, then went home and sewed all evening to clothe her children. She also sewed each of her daughter's wedding and bridesmaid's dresses, and clothes for grandchildren.

Mom played hard (but she cheated - as her kids, her grandkids, and even some of her great grandkids know). In her 40’s she was the catcher on a softball team for several years. She was poetry in motion when she ran - well, more of a limerick, as she would pump her arms with all her might, but you could barely tell that she was actually moving. She loved to "wrastle" with her son and grandsons....and usually won. It took one grandson (who will remain nameless) to advance to the age of 16 before he could take his 64-year old grandma. But in all fairness to Jon, she also ended up putting a nurse at the Hospice House in a headlock when she was 88 years old, until the sweet and patient nurse had to ask for "a little help, please".

Mom loved hard. She tried to make it to all her grandkids' and great-grandkids' games - and she rarely missed one. She loved her family and would do anything for them. The same could be said regarding her friends. She certainly had the gift of hospitality, as she gladly opened up her home and her life to those who needed a ride, a meal, or a place to live - whether for a few days or a few years.

Mom was preceded in death by her son, Darrell; her brothers, Robert and Dale; her sister, Evelyn; and her parents.

Our family would like to thank the Kansas City Hospice House for their genuine dedication, care and support in Mom's final week; our wonderful family at Living Faith Lee's Summit who has shown us tremendous love and support through this difficult time with the beautiful flowers, wonderful meal, and so much more (we love you guys!); and to all our family and friends who have reached out with food, condolences, and especially prayer!

Services will be held September 22 at Living Faith Lee's Summit, 1121 SW Hook Rd, Lee's Summit, MO 64082. Visitation: 4-5pm. Funeral: 5-6pm (there will be no graveside service).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64145.

Services will be held September 22 at Living Faith Lee’s Summit, 1121 SW Hook Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64082. Visitation: 4-5pm. Funeral: 5-6pm (there will be no graveside service).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64145.