Joan Sorrick

Mary Joan von Riesen Sorrick, aged 97, passed away Tuesday, July 8, in Manhattan, Kansas.

Visitation was held from 3 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 29, at Ward Funeral Home in Washington, with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m.

A funeral service was held at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 30, at the First United Methodist Church in Washington. Rev. Jane Langat and Rev. Melanie Nord officiated.  The musicians were Gay Lynn Manning and Skyler Manning, with the hymn selections including “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” “In the Garden,” “Hymn of Promise,” and “On Eagles Wings.”

Honorary pallbearers were Jacob Newby, Bryant Newby, Megan Sorrick, Drew Sorrick, Lainey Newby, and Kinsley Newby.

Burial took place at 2:30 p.m. in the Fairmont Cemetery, Blue Rapids, KS.

Joan was born on September 10, 1927, in Marysville, Kansas, to Roland and Chloe (Walters) von Riesen. She graduated from Marysville High School in 1945 and was proud to recently celebrate her 80th class reunion alongside two classmates and cherished friends.

She began her career at Armour Creamery and later worked at the Exchange Bank of Schmidt and Koester in Marysville. In 1949, she married Floyd D. Sorrick in Marysville. The couple moved to Manhattan while Floyd attended Kansas State University, and then to Topeka as he pursued a law degree at Washburn University. During their time in Topeka, Joan worked for the Selective Service. In 1955, they made their home in Washington, Kansas, where Joan worked alongside Floyd in his law office for nine years and then spent fifteen years at First National Bank, retiring in 2007.

Joan was a dedicated member of her community and active in many organizations. She belonged to the Evening Star Extension Unit, Wimodausis Card Club, Eastern Star (earning her 50-year pin), and TOPS weight group. A devoted member of First United Methodist Church in Washington, she sang in the choir and participated in United Methodist Women.

She enjoyed bowling in the Wednesday Afternoon Coffee League, exercising with friends three mornings a week, and caring for her yard and garden. Joan loved walking, traveling, attending K-State football and women’s basketball games, and was famous for her hand-covered yarn hangers, treasured by her family and friends. She also had a fondness for WordSearch puzzles and was a diehard fan of the KC Chiefs and KC Royals. The residents and staff at Homestead would ask her what time the games were on.

Joan is survived by her children: Brad (Debi) Sorrick, Cindy Sorrick (Alan Parker), and Linda Newby; grandchildren, Jacob Newby (girlfriend, Charley Daniel), Bryant (Jenn) Newby, Megan Sorrick, and Drew (Elora) Sorrick; and great-granddaughters, Lainey and Kinsley Newby.

Preceding her in death are her parents; husband, Floyd, of 59 years; brothers, David (Janice) von Riesen, and V. Lyle (Suzette) von Riesen; brother-in-law Jerry (Dee) Sorrick; and son-in-law, Stan Newby.

Joan spent the last two years of her life at Homestead Assisted Living in Manhattan, where she thrived and continued to bring joy to those around her.

A memorial fund has been established to KSDS Assistance Dogs, Inc. or First United Methodist Church in Washington. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home.