Joan B. Schrag, 80, Hutchinson, died November 26, 2009 at the Hospice House in Hutchinson.

Joan was born November 1, 1929 in West Hartford, Connecticut, the daughter of John W. & Geneveive Chobain Biss.

She attended schools in Middletown, CT. and graduated from Middletown High School. In 1952, she graduated from Hartford Hospital School of Nursing in Hartford, CT.

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Joan was a registered nurse and public servant. She served on the Hutchinson U.S.D. 308 Board of Education, the Hutchinson Planning Commission, and the Hutchinson City Commission. She was elected Hutchinson's first woman Mayor in 1979. She was a member of the First Mennonite Church in Hutchinson.

She married Herb Schrag on June 12, 1955 in Pretty Prairie. He survives.

Other survivors include 2 daughters Deborah Williams, and husband Robert, Henderson, NV., and Diane Coffman, and husband Richard, Topeka; a sister Patricia Ann Biss, Portland, CT.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother John W. Biss.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 30, at the First Mennonite Church in Hutchinson, with Pastor Miles Reimer and Rev. Ben Friesen presiding. Burial will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum. Mrs. Schrag will lie in state 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm on Saturday and 9:00 am - 9:00 pm on Sunday at Elliott Mortuary, where the family will greet friends Sunday evening 6:30 pm-8:00 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Mennonite Church or to Hospice of Reno County, sent in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, Ks. 67501.

Personal condolences may be left at www.elliottmortuary.com for the family.