Joan Rachel Perkins, the daughter of Kelly Glen and Margaret (Hanslip) Houtchens was born February 3, 1934, near Laury City, Missouri. She passed away on Friday, November 11, 2022, at Accura Healthcare of Stanton, Iowa, at the age of 88 years, 9 months and 8 days.

Joan's mother died in 1938 leaving six children. Due to the depression, two of the children were adopted by two different families. In 1939, Joan went to live with her aunt and uncle, Ross and Fern Houtchens near Wallin, Iowa; they later adopted her. Joan attended country school and then Stanton High School, graduating in 1952. Joan then moved to Red Oak where she became a bookkeeper and clerk for Swanson Clothing Company. She met Gordon Perkins after he was discharged from the Army in 1954. On February 12, 1956, Joan and Gordon were united in marriage at Mamrelund Lutheran Church, Stanton, Iowa. Two daughters were born to this union, Elaine and Denise. Joan was the bookkeeper for Perkins Electric, helping her husband many years and worked part time with Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home. When her daughter opened Pudgy Pumpkin Patch Gift Shop, Joan was there with her smile and fantastic customer service. Joan was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She served with the women's society and taught Sunday school and Bible school for many years. She also volunteered for years with the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Montgomery County Court of Honor Soup & Pie suppers, fixed her famous sloppy joes for the Classy Chassis Car Club and helped with the American Red Cross blood mobile. Joan loved attending her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren's activities. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, cooking and growing flowers.

Joan was preceded in death by her birth parents and adopted parents; husband, Gordon Perkins on June 16, 2016; sisters: Betty Hettinger, Arlene Stump-Shriver and Lucille Larent, and an infant sister, Mary Ethel Houtchens.

Joan is survived by her two daughters: Elaine (John) Hollen of Red Oak, IA and Denise (Jerry) Leibold of Waverly, IA; three grandchildren: Andy (Trina) Rea, Kelsey Hollen and Jamison (Alicia) Leibold; six great-grandchildren: Amber, Jackson, William and Austin Rea, Jordy and Piper Leibold; brothers: Donald Houtchens of Kansas City, MO and Darrell (Carolyn) Hopp of Glenwood, IA; her African grandson, Dr. Fungisai (Ellah) Nota and son, Sam; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Funeral Service will be held
Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.
At First United Methodist Church, Red Oak, Iowa
Burial at Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak, Iowa
Pastor Darrell Hopp, Officiating

Visitation with the family on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to the Joan Perkins Memorial.

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of Joan's arrangements and serving her family.