Mary Joan Sage was born February 3, 1930, the first of three children to Frank and Cora (Attkisson) Parret in Cherryville, Kansas.  She passed away on September 10, 2019, at the Norton County Hospital, Norton, Kansas at the age of 89.

Mary Joan lived in Moundridge, Kansas, until eighth grade, when the Parret family moved to Neodesha, Kansas.  While in high school and during college summers, she worked at the Neodesha First National Bank.  She graduated from Neodesha High School in 1948.  After high school she attended Kansas State University.  She was a member of the Amicossembly House for Kappa Phi and Collegiate 4-H, selected Royal Purple Queen 1949.  Shortly thereafter, she met her husband Stephen Samuel Sage.

Joan graduated from Kansas State University in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics and Education.

On August 10, 1952, Joan was united in marriage to Stephen Samuel Sage at Neodesha, Kansas, and to this union, two children were born:  Stephanie Sue and Stephen Scott.

While Stephen was attending Law School at Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas, Joan taught Home Economics at Carbondale High School.  After Stephen was admitted to the Kansas Bar in 1953, Stephen and Joan moved to Phillipsburg, Kansas, where she helped Stephen set up his general law practice and began her occupation as the Phillips County Extension Agent.  Joan thoroughly enjoyed her time interacting and working with the youth of Phillips County, Kansas.

Joan became an active part of her community in many facets.  She continued her faith as a member of the Phillipsburg United Methodist Church where she served in many capacities.  She earned her 50 Year Pin with Chapter Pleiades #168 Order of the Eastern Star.  She served all offices through President of Chapter BE, PEO Sisterhood, earning her Golden Girl status for 50 years of membership.  She served on boards for the Phillipsburg Library and Citizenship Foundation Scholarship.  She was a member of the Kansas State Golden Key Club, an avid supporter of area student arts, activities, and athletics, Phillips County 4-H, Kansas State University Alumni Association, and Kansas State Ahearn Fund.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother and sister-in-law, Grover and Margo Eddy, brother-in-law, Harley Hutsell, and husband Stephen Samuel Sage.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Sue Dusin and her husband Allen; her son S. Scott Sage and his wife Candace; sisters:  Barbara DeWitz and her husband Roy of Conroe, Texas, and Nelda Hutsell of Edmond, Oklahoma; six grandchildren:  Lindsay Elizabeth Gannon and her husband Matthew, Jeffrey Allen Dusin, Mattison Sage Dusin, Michael Scott Dusin, Stephen Sherlyn Sage, and Samuel Scott Sage; two great-grandchildren:  Peyton Sue Gannon and Jaiden Matthew Gannon; and her nieces and nephews.

Joan thoroughly had an adventure for travel, love of reading, and a sincere honest character.  During her life, Joan influenced many people.  She will be missed by her family, friends, and community.  Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, they will always cherish their memories of Yannie.

Funeral services will be held Sat. Sept 14 at 10:00 a.m. in the United Methodist Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Blake Stanwood officiating.  Burial will follow in the Fairview cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Church or to the Phillips Co. 4-H.