Joan Hood

Joan Loop Hood, 78, of Topeka, passed away Monday, March 28, 2011 at Lexington Park Nursing Facility. She was born June 16, 1932 in Salina, Kansas, the daughter of George and Zitta (Carlin) Loop.

Joan was raised in Salina and attended public schools there, graduating from Salina High School in 1950. She was active in school and was a talented musician in the high school band and orchestra as a flutist. She attended Marymount College in Salina on a music scholarship, and earned an Associate's degree in education to become a teacher. She earned her Bachelor's degree in education from Washburn University in 1960. Joan married Kenneth Hood on May 29, 1955 at Grand Avenue Methodist Church in Salina.

Joan was a devoted and nurturing elementary school teacher who loved helping children learn. She began her teaching career in Wilson, KS and was a teacher there at the time she met Ken, who was stationed at Fort Riley while in the U.S. Army. After marrying, they settled in Topeka, and Joan stayed home to raise her two children. As her children grew, Joan returned to teaching, first as a substitute elementary school teacher in the Topeka, even teaching a number of her children's closest friends. She then returned to teaching full time as a first grade teacher at Lyman Elementary School in Topeka.

Joan was active in many organizations in her younger years, participating in bridge clubs, the Do-Si-Do Square dancing club, and various other organizations. She was a Cub Scout den mother and Campfire Girls leader. She was an active member of her congregation and was involved in many women's organizations at Countryside United Methodist Church for most of her adult life.

Joan was very active early in her adult life and remained active even after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She enjoyed playing the flute, singing, being with her children and grandchildren, cooking, sewing, camping, traveling, and visiting with friends and family.

Joan is survived by her husband of 55 years, Ken, son, Scott, of Leawood, KS, daughter, Susan, of St. Louis, MO, sister, Phyllis Neal, of San Jose, CA, grandchildren; Alex, Addie and Andrew of Leawood, KS, as well as many nieces, nephews and other loving relatives. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, brothers; Rudy, Carlin and Paul Loop, and sister, Bertha Isabelle Reese.

A memorial service will take place Monday, April 4th at 11:00 a.m. at Countryside United Methodist Church. A visitation will immediately precede the memorial service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, National MS Society, PO Box 4527, New York, NY 10163 (www.nationalmssociety.org) or Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Road, Topeka, KS 66611-2006.