JoAnn Drews, 82, passed away Saturday, November 30, 2019, at Reflection Living, Hutchinson. She was born during a snowstorm on December 14, 1936, on the family farm, where her mother had also been born, near Kiron, IA.  JoAnn was the daughter of Lowell H. and Elsie (Koch) Bilsten.

When she was four, JoAnn moved with her parents to Wichita, where JoAnn's father worked in the aircraft industry during World War II.  Her mother was a registered nurse.

Following graduation from Wichita West High School, JoAnn married William R. Drews on January 22, 1954.  They raised six daughters while living in Wichita and Hutchinson.  While her children were growing up, JoAnn taught Sunday School at Trinity United Methodist Church, served as a room mother at Morgan Elementary School, and was a Girl Scout leader.

After her children were grown, JoAnn attended Hutchinson Community College and Wichita State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Education.  She taught sixth grade at Wiley Elementary School in Hutchinson for 12 years.

JoAnn loved to read, travel, and had an adventurous spirit.  She was beloved by her husband, children, and grandchildren.  JoAnn will be remembered for her home-cooked meals (especially her pies), and for the loving support she gave to her husband and to each of their children and grandchildren.

She is survived by:  husband, William Drews of Hutchinson; daughters, Stephanie Drews of Hutchinson, Shannon Rayl of Salina, Sheridan (Jeff) Johnson of Essex Junction, VT, Susan (Mike) Horton of McPherson, Staci (Neal) Dellett of Lowell, AR, and Sara (Hans) Hummer of Grosse Pointe Park, MI; fourteen grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2020, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1602 N. Main, Hutchinson, with The Reverend Dr. Kim Biery officiating.  Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary, and prior to service time on Saturday, January 4, 2020, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to TECH, Inc., Hutchinson, or Trinity United Methodist Church-Children's and Youth Ministries programs, BrightHouse (formerly Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Center),  in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.