Joan Kelly, born on a farm in Holdenville, Oklahoma, but a resident of Ponca City for over half a century, passed peacefully of natural causes on Wednesday, September 11th, just two days before her 88th birthday. Her only son, Jimmie Kelly (a Po-Hi graduate), cared for his mother the last several years of her life in Boulder, Colorado.  

She is survived by Jimmie; her daughter-in-law of 35 years, Kathy Kelly; grandson Brian Kelly, granddaughter Jennifer Genger and her husband Army Captain Noah Genger and great-grandchildren Jake, Clara, Cecelia and James Genger.  

Funeral services will be held in Ponca City on Thursday, September 19th, 10:00 AM, at Grace Memorial Chapel with Hospice of North Central Oklahoma Chaplain Tom Howard presiding. Burial will follow in the Ponca City I.O.O.F. Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. As Joanie was less able to stay in touch with friends when she moved to Boulder, the family would appreciate and welcome her friends to join them at the service.  

Joan will be best remembered for her years of working as a greeter at the YMCA and Walmart in Ponca City. She was an avid Sooners fan and was so proud that her son Jimmie is an alumnus of OU. She was known for her meticulous fashion sense (usually crimson and cream), and she got up before dawn to look her best to greet her customers, working well into her 80s. Known as “Sugar Grandma” to her family, Joan could always be counted on for a big smile and hug as you came in, (”Hi Sugar!”) and she’d always blow you a kiss as you left. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.  

As this will be a celebration of Joan’s life, please join the family in wearing her favorite colors, red or yellow, instead of black.  

Joan’s online guestbook may be signed at www.gracememorialchapel.net