Joan Walters Schuetz passed away peacefully at home on Monday, January 15, 2024.

Jo was born on December 27th, 1934 in Robinson, Kansas to Mose and Cecil Bland Walters. Joan spent her younger years in Robinson and graduated from Willis High School. She met a dashing young man, Richard Joseph Schuetz from Mercier, at a football game and they fell in love and were soon married. They settled in Atchison, Kansas and had three children, Debra, Terrance and Nicole. It was there that Joan became a passionate golfer, winning many amateur tournaments.

The family eventually moved to Kansas City, Missouri, after a job change for Richard. With her children in school, Jo began working for the family physician and enjoyed many years in healthcare. She had always had a talent for styling hair so she enrolled in Cosmetology School and shortly after graduating she decided to go into business on her own with her best friend as her partner. With another move on the horizon, the business was sold and a new chapter began to unfold, this time in Dallas, Texas.

It was in Dallas that Jo became interested in childcare in her home. Soon her business had grown to serving many children and their families. As changes between her and Richard resulted in divorce, she decided she wanted to move back home to Hiawatha to be near her aging mother. Again, her desire to serve families by providing day care to many children became a reality and she continued until she was no longer physically able. She would tell you that her childcare years were the most fulfilling, resulting in life changing friendships with the children and families.

Jo attended Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri for many years and walked the life of who she was in Christ Jesus. She was always warm and kind to all.

Jo is preceded in death by her parents, Mose & Cecil Walters, nephew Russ Walters, brother Dean Walters, husband Richard Schuetz, and son Terrance Schuetz.

Jo is survived by her daughters Debra Schuetz Balda and Nicole Schuetz; grandchildren Tiffany Smith, Natalie Balda, Jessica & Shawn Anderson & Haley Ward; great-grandchildren Rial Smith, Morrissey Smith, Isaiah Anderson & Jesse Anderson.

A Celebration of Jo's life is planned for 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 23, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Pastor Rich Lehmkuhl officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday, and after 9 a.m. Tuesday. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com