Ruth “Joan” Fuhrman, age 92, of Severance passed away on May 7, 2026. She was born March 4, 1934, in Fanning, Ks. to William A. and Harriett (Guthrie) Franken. She attended elementary school in Fanning, and graduated high school at Mount St Scholastica Academy in 1952. After graduating from St Joseph Business School, she worked at Joe Optican Jewelry Store.
She married William A. Fuhrman March 17, 1954. After a few years of active military living, they returned to the family farm to raise their seven children. Joan helped with farming, whether it was in the fields, feeding pigs, or running cattle. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at St Benedict’s Catholic Church and a leader of the Midway Meadowlarks 4-H Club. She enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, gardening, and watching all sporting events of her children and grandchildren. She was a loyal fan of K-State sports and the Royals. She liked to spend time with her husband, Bill, dancing, playing cards, traveling, and going to the casino. She hosted the annual family 4th of July picnics, and especially liked collecting family ancestry through stories and photos. Losing her mother at a young age influenced Joan’s strong devotion to Jesus’s Mother Mary. She developed a deep faith in God and knew the importance of family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, five brothers, Andrew, Charles, John, Robert, and Williams, two sisters, Alice and Kathleen, and son-in-law Jeff Caton.
Survivors include Al (Nancy) Fuhrman and Chuck Fuhrman of Severance, Jeff (Brenda) Fuhrman of Highland, Susan (Marshall) Willey of Wichita, Cindy (Steve) Krug of Savannah, MO. Laura Caton of St Joseph, MO. and Matt (Beth) Fuhrman of Rochester Hills, MI. and 18 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Visitation is on May 13th from 5-7 pm at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland, KS
Funeral Mass will be May 14th at 1030 am with rosary before at 10 am at the St Benedict’s Church in Bendena, KS. Burial will follow at St Benedict’s Cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggested to Amberwell Hospice Care or Doniphan County Fire District #2 sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 33, Highland 66035.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Wednesday.
www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com
