Joan Shelton Stevenson

A Graveside Service for Joan Shelton Stevenson, 96, of Lawrence, KS, is set for 11:00 AM, Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence, KS. A Visitation is set from 6:00 ~ 8:00 PM, Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, KS. Joan passed peacefully at her residence surrounded by her family on Monday, February 2, 2026.

Joan was born on July 2, 1929, in Warrensburg, MO, to William McKinley and Mary Katherine (Roop) Swisher. 

Joan married Leon C. Stevenson in Lawrence, KS, on April 10, 1953, and he preceded her in death in 2000. 

Joan grew up on her family farm in Leeton, MO and graduated from Leeton High School, tallest in her class. She pursued a career in nursing, obtained her RN license, and worked at various hospitals and clinics over the course of her career. When she wasn't working, she could often be found spending weekends at the lake with her husband and children, where she enjoyed fishing, boating, and visiting with friends. Her favorite hobbies included watching KU sports, genealogy research, and spending time with family above all. She enjoyed meeting new people, connecting with relatives from all over the country, and her door was always open to family and friends. 

Survivors include her children, Laura Jane Craig, Kathy Jean Affalter, five grandchildren, April (Tony) Holtwick, Jonathan (Sable Muntean) Affalter, Brian Craig, Landon Stevenson, Larsen (Mandy) Stevenson, six great-grandchildren, Summer Holtwick, Nolan Craig, Dalton Craig, Lance Stevenson, Hymalee Stevenson, and Lex Stevenson. 

Joan was also preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Ella Joyce Stevenson, grandson, Leith Jon Stevenson, brother, Ronald Roop Swisher, and son, Larry Jon Stevenson. 

Memorial contributions in Joan’s name may be given to Lawrence Humane Society or Meals on Wheels or VNA Hospice and may be sent in care of warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.