Joan Serr, age 94, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Morningside Center, Chillicothe, Missouri.
Joan was born the daughter of Luther and Venie (Orhans) Breen in Scotland, South Dakota. She attended Scotland High School and South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota, majoring in Home Economics. She was united in marriage to Maynard Serr on August 24, 1950, in Scotland, South Dakota. He preceded her in death on September 6, 1999. Joan met her future husband while cheerleading at a basketball game. He was the star of the opposing team and he winked at her. Joan worked at her father’s drug store in Scotland throughout high school. After marrying Maynard, they lived throughout the Midwest-Tyndall, South Dakota, Glencoe, Minnesota, Watertown, South Dakota, Trenton, Missouri, Tampa, Florida and Chillicothe, Missouri.
Joan was a member of the United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, the Chapter T. P.E.O., Sorosis and the Dorcus Lydia Circle of the United Methodist Church. Throughout her life, Joan was a very active volunteer, teaching Sunday school, leading Girl Scouts and serving as Deacon at the Trenton First Christian Church. She led a Bible study group in her home for many years. Joan was a very talented pianist and loved playing the piano. After Maynard’s retirement, they travelled extensively. Joan felt one of her greatest accomplishments was her family and the rearing of her five children.
She is survived by four daughters, Shelly Turner (Mike) of Chillicothe, Missouri, Sheila Roszell (Robert) of Denver, Colorado, Syndee Joy Serr of Columbia, Missouri and Stephanie Baldwin (Stan) of Chillicothe, Missouri; one son, Scott L. Serr (Nicci) of Brandon, Florida; eleven grandchildren, Jeff Turner (Amy) of Liberty, Missouri, Abbie Swisher (Carson) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Joanna Barker (Dane) of Liberty, Missouri, Trent Roszell (Liz) of Nashville, Tennessee, Blair Roszell (Krissy) of Audubon, Pennsylvania, Christopher L. Roszell (Melanie) of Denver, Colorado, Sally Rockhold (Jacob) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Sarah Miller (Carson) of Columbia, Missouri, Samantha Baldwin of Liberty, Missouri, Laura Serr (Skyler) of Cape Coral, Florida and Matt Serr (Alayna) of Indianapolis, Indiana; eighteen great grandchildren, Corinne, Anna and Reid Turner, Addilyn and Caroline Swisher, Jackson, Bennettt and Lyla Jo Barker, Nolan and Gwen Roszell, Molly and Mae Roszell, Josephine and Jude Roszell, Jay and Sadie Rockhold, Margo Miller and Morgan Saxton; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Maynard; sister, Barbara Bot and twin sister Joy McFadden; three brothers, David, Phillip and Vance Breen.
A cremation was held. A family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Festival of Lights and/or Grand River Area Family YMCA and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, PO Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.
