JoAnn Sheldon

JoAnn (Hunt) Sheldon, 88, of Arkansas City, KS passed away Saturday, September 19, 2022 at home, surrounded by family.

Private services are scheduled. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arkansas City Senior Citizens Center at 320 N. A. St. in Arkansas City KS 67005, donations may be left in the care of the Shelley Family Funeral Home.

JoAnn was born October 24, 1933 in Arkansas City, KS to parents Walter & Anna (Mumaw) Hunt. JoAnn graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1951.  She graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in home economics.  After graduation, she worked as an extension agent in Lyons Kansas.  Jo Ann was united in marriage to Bill on April 20, 1957 in the Hackney Baptist Church.  They were active members of First United Methodist Church. 

The couple then moved to Okmulgee, OK where Bill attended Oklahoma State University for 2 years.  They moved back to Ark City.  Bill & his father Clarence opened Sheldon’s Service Station. JoAnn was the bookkeeper and called herself “chief cook & bottle washer.”  They operated 2 locations one on A street “across from the Post Office.”  And one on Highway 77.  JoAnn delivered many meals to family working long hours as business owners. 

In the early 1970s with the emergence of self-service gas & Clarence’s stroke, the business evolved to Sheldon’s Pawn Shop.  Moving to 206 East Madison for a larger business location.  In 1977, the family opened a second store in Winfield.

JoAnn enjoyed photography and making her own greeting cards with her photos.  The couple studied Cowley County history, especially the many old stone bridges.  Birds, barns, and silos were popular subjects. Several of her photographs are published in books.  She hosted the GA women’s circle.

Survivors include her, children Craig W. Sheldon and wife Rhonda, Arlen H. Sheldon and wife Angela; four grandchildren, and brother Robert & his wife Lynda Hunt.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her parents Walter & Anna, her stepmother Alice & her brother Don & his wife Barbara Hunt.

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