Joan Wilson, born October 11, 1928, passed peacefully October 19, 2024, at the age of 96. Growing up in Ash Creek area, outside Ellsworth, she was the eldest of Harry and Jessie (Bailey) Long’s five children. Her life was a testament to strength, resilience, and love for family.
Joan learned the value of hard work, responsibility, compassion, and play. Get up early to milk cows, hurry to school, play trombone in marching band, make good grades, and ride ol’ Pat to get the cows. She had fun with her younger sisters, and brother, forging strong lifelong bonds.
In 1947, she married Lontie Wilson, owner/operator of Wilson Livestock Auction in Salina. They raised their family with the same care and devotion she showed her siblings. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose wisdom and warmth touched the lives of all she met.
In 1968 she got her real estate license, opening the 1st real estate franchise in Salina: Century 21 Wilson Realty. After training over 30 agents it became a leader in the 4 state region.
Joan is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Jessie (Bailey) Long, her husband Lontie Wilson, siblings: Harriet (Glen) Nickels, Rachel Jane Davidson, and Don (Margaret) Long; and her son: Larry Wilson.
She is survived by her sister: Annetta (Bill deceased) Shepherd, her children: Lonnie (Valerie) Wilson; Bill Wilson (Denise Colborn); Jean Wilson- Baker (Bernard Baker); and Joan E. Wilson; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 308 S Eighth Street, Salina Friday, October 25 at 10:00 AM. There will be a visitation/viewing at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th Street, Salina on Thursday evening from 4-8 pm with family present 5-7. Memorials may be designated to Hearts for Homes Rice County, and/or to Habitat for Humanity care of Ryan Mortuary. More Info www.ryanmortuary.com