Joan Lee (Edgar) Lyttle

Joan Lee Lyttle born April 12,1930-January 4, 2022   

Joan was born to Wilma Busby Edgar and Timothy Edgar in Cherryvale, Kansas.  She faced adversity early in life after her father abandon the family during the Depression and her mother and siblings moved in with her beloved maternal grandmother, “ Minnie Roxie” on a farm in rural Kansas.  In the last years of her life this was the place her mind took her and she often spoke about her happy years growing up on the farm.  She faced adversity with a fierce determination, her strong Christian faith and fought back against all odds after burying two young sons only months apart while still mothering the older four left behind.  She would bury a 3rd son within a few short years.  She would bring five more children into the world, all 12 children starting with the letter J.  A mother of 12, she would return to college at the age of 40 and earn her Nursing Degree and attended St. Johns School of Anesthesia, graduating with honors.  In her spare time she was a classically trained pianist and this brought her endless hours of joy later in life.  She also loved dogs and always had at least two.  She buried two more daughters in their 30’s but continued on to provide a home for three grandsons.  She worked as a CRNA for 28 years, first in Greene Country then traveling from Vermont to Jackson Hole,WY to the Appalachians, as a contract CRNA.  She found her final home on earth in Indianapolis where she continued working as a CRNA until the early signs of Alzheimer’s began.  She was strong, fierce, determined, smart and we are all proud to call her our Mom.  An early role model for women but especially for her loving daughters.  Her final years were spent close to her daughters, Jo Linda and Julie Beth who showed true dedication to protect her and their mother’s outstanding strength, to weather any storm that came their way.  She brought us laughter, taught us to love each other and most importantly to love the Lord

She was greeted in heaven by her husband, John; sons, James Douglas, Jeffery Thomas, Jordan Drew and John Scott; and daughters, Jenny Lou and Jacque Ann.  She leaves behind with wonderful memories, daughters, Jo Linda Lyttle, Jane Ellen Kilgore (Reed), Julie Beth Pierce (Bob); sons, Joel David Lyttle, Joshua Lee Lyttle; and daughter, Jill Jeanine Tadros (Wasfi).  In addition she is survived by 18 grandchildren;16 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Glenda Molidar(Sam) and Mary Ann Edgar (Tom).

Private services are scheduled for her family. Holmes Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.  Burial will be at Center Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Alzheimer’s

Association or to a charity of one’s choice.

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