Mary “Joann” Hefty, 94, of Valley Falls, KS, passed away Monday, June 24, 2024, at her home with family by her side. She was born March 26, 1930, in Highland, KS, the daughter of Willis and Fern (Brenner) Acker.

Joann graduated from Highland High School in 1947. She attended Highland Community College earning her Teaching Certificate.

She lived in the Valley Falls community since 1954. Joann was a teacher at one room schools: including Bellevue, Fairview and others. Most of her life, she was a homemaker and farmwife. Later she enjoyed working as a proofreader for the Valley Falls Vindicator.

Joann was a member of Coal Creek United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School. She was an active member of United Methodist Women, Sunflower Extension Unit, a 4-H Leader and enjoyed quilting, gardening and making her children- clothes.

She married Walter “Glenn” Hefty on June 5, 1954, in Highland, KS at the Bellevue United Methodist Church. Glenn passed away May 28, 1998; after over 43 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Willis and Fern Acker; daughter, Dr. Elaine C. Cleary and 2 brothers, Alvin and Charles Acker.

Survivors include 2 sons, Keith W. Hefty and John M. Hefty (Sandy) both of Valley Falls, KS; 2 daughters, Karla A. Hefty (David Fleming) of Hot Springs, AR and Glenda J. Hefty of Springfield, MO; son-in-law, Jonathan Cleary of California and 6 grandchildren, Andrew, Elena, Caleb, Noah, Josiah and Faith.

Memorial Service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Coal Creek United Methodist Church. Family will greet friends Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the church. Memorials may be given to Coal Creek United Methodist Church or Coal Creek Cemetery c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com