Joan May Otts

  Joan May Otts, 89, Alma, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City.   Joan was born in Alma on June 12, 1927, to Edward “Butch” and Marguerite (Carroll) Stuewe.  She attended local Alma schools and worked as a legal secretary for many years.  In 1944, Joan was united in marriage with Claxton Otts, who preceded her in death.  She loved her family first and foremost, and lived a full, active life.  Joan was always planning her next project.  She thoroughly enjoyed flowers, organic gardening, and her 12-acre homestead.   Joan is survived by three daughters, Jacqueline Neunzig, Overland Park, Mara Smith, Overland Park, and Sheila Schauff, Alma; two sisters, Myrtle May “Mitzi” Wilson, Manhattan, Kansas, and Donna Rae Rafferty, Loveland, Colorado; four grandchildren, Zachary Twidwell, Brandi McBrayer, Clint Schauff, and Sunny Hulse; two great-grandchildren, Madison and Avery Hulse; and many nieces and nephews.   Joan’s son, Clayton Otts, and four siblings, Margaret Fantin, Jean Schafer, Robert “Bob” Stuewe, and Edward “Eddie” Stuewe, preceded her in death.   Private services will be held and burial will be in the Alma City Cemetery.  Sympathy cards may be left in care of Stewart Funeral Home, P.O. Box 48, Wamego, KS  66547.