Joan Stoval was born in Newton and sixteen years later became an older sister of a brother, Don, who today handles the IT (information technology) needs at Newton High School. Joan has more family living in the area and by pursuing her investigation of family roots and genealogy, she’s found ancestors who arrived on our shores as early as 1665.
When given the opportunity, her father left his job at Beechcraft and their family operated the popular Dairy Crème in Peabody for twenty-five years.
Following high school graduation, Joan attended American Business College (later becoming Wichita Business College) and went on to work at the Peabody Bank (now Vintage) in Customer Service, also handling CDs, IRAs. She broadened her work experience with Aetna Insurance (claims).
Joan began piano lessons while in the second/third grades and along with developing her keyboard skills and education she played clarinet in the marching band.
An electronic Wurlitzer organ has a place of pride in her home and although she has accompanied in her home church (in Peabody), Joan now attends Newton Christian Church and mostly enjoys playing in the comfort of her KCH campus home.
Nikki, a shih tzu, became her pet canine companion when Joan moved to KCH seven years ago. Being in their company, it is obvious they are mindful of many unexpected blessings as they go through their daily routine of life together.