Mary “Joan” Shire was born June 13, 1929, the oldest of five children. Born to JQ and Marietta (Hawkins) Adams, she went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 29, 2024 at the age of 95. Joan was a mother to five children who went on to give her 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. She was a member of the First Christian Church, both in Jefferson and Medford, and attended Jefferson schools where she graduated in 1947.
Following high school, Joan received her associates degree from Northern Oklahoma Junior College in 1949. On March 3, 1951, she married Loren Shire, her high school sweetheart and the love of her life. Joan worked at the Medford Patriot Star before beginning a long career with Koch Industries, where she eventually retired. Later, she worked a few years at Dillard’s in Enid.
Although retired, she certainly didn’t stop going. She volunteered with the church, local 4-H clubs, Band, OHCE clubs, and had numerous hobbies, including sewing and crocheting for her family and families in the community.
Joan is survived by her daughters, Lorena (Mike) Smithheisler, Ronna (Steve) Soper, Mona (Dave) Denney, Tana Davis (Chip Ross), and her son, Evan (Sherri) Shire. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Campbell and brother, John (Mary Ann) Adams.
Joan was greeted in Heaven by her parents, twin sister, husband, two brothers, two nieces and three nephews.
While we aren’t able to fully put into words the impact she had on our lives - and the lives of so many others - in her 95 years, we hope this provides a glimpse into how much she meant to us. Although she is no longer physically with us, her presence will live on through her family for generations to come.
Funeral service will be Monday, August 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Medford with burial to follow at McKeeman-Fairview Cemetery near Medford. Viewing will be Sunday, August 4, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Medford. www.lanmanmemorials.com Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc.
Memorials may be made to the Medford First Christian Church or the McKeeman-Fairview Cemetery through the funeral home.
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