JoAnn (Zink) Hofstra age 85, Valley Falls, died Sunday, June 14th, 2020. She was born November 30, 1934 at Leavenworth, the daughter of Emery and Letha (Sales) Zink. She attended Leavenworth High School and participated in the marching band, graduating in 1952. After graduation, she began working for the Red Cross in Leavenworth.

JoAnn married Ed Hofstra Jr. on June 2, 1957, in Leavenworth, and became a Navy fighter pilot’s wife. They raised a family while moving all over America, mostly on the West and East coasts. In 1974, Captain Hofstra retired from the Navy, and the family moved back home to Kansas, buying a farm near Valley Falls. The Hofstra’s became members of Calvary Baptist Church, and JoAnn was active as the church organist and treasurer. She also typed up the church bulletin every week. JoAnn loved the Lord.

In 1977, she started working for Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Topeka, eventually becoming the Administrative Assistant to the Vice President. She made many friends and considered BC/BS her second family. Upon her retirement in 1997, she was active in BC/BS retiree luncheons and get-togethers for many years to come.

Ed passed away in 2006 and JoAnn continued living at the home. She had family support and wonderful neighbors she could always count on. Thanks to all of you. JoAnn was preceded in death by a half-sister, Lorraine Orlowski, Leavenworth. She is survived by her son, Nathan (Kayla) Hofstra, Ozawkie; and two daughters, Marilee (Dennis) Gordinier, Ozawkie; and Becky (Tim) Crouch, Independence Mo.; Eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will at 11:00 A.M. Friday, June 19, 2020 at Calvary Baptist Church in Valley Falls. Visitation will be 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. at the church. Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens in Leavenworth at 1:30 P.M. JoAnn will lie in state at Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls 2:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 17, 2020 and 10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. Thursday June 18, 2020. Memorials may be given to Calvary Baptist Church –Valley Falls, c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 6, Valley Falls, Ks 66088. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.