Joan Elizabeth (Christman) Giles, 82, passed away peacefully in the presence of family October 12, 2024. She was born November 22, 1941, to Leo and Emma (Thompson) Christman, one of five children, and grew up in Saint Joseph.
In 1959 she graduated from Convent of the Sacred Heart. On April 23, 1960, she married William Orville Giles, a graduate of Christian Brothers, and her husband of 64 years. A few years after marrying, she and Bill moved to a farm near Clarksdale. Joan acclimated to farm life and loved raising her four children in the small country community. Once her children were mostly raised, she started a career and found she had a talent for sales.
She adored her eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. Joan loved their visits, and always had fun activities planned when they were together. She craved learning new things, was an avid reader, loved all dogs, and cheered for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Joan was preceded in death by her son Jeffrey Michael Giles, her parents, and brothers John and Frank Christman.
She is survived by family including husband William “Bill” Giles; children David Giles of Ashland, MO, Dina (Stanley) Giles of Minneapolis, KS, and Tracy (John) Bennett and Shannon (Shawna) Giles of St. Joseph; grandchildren Emma Giles, Lucy (Trenton) Kuhlman, Jake Giles, Sam Giles, Alexandra Giles, Caroline (Logan) Horning, Sadie Giles and Chloe Giles; great grandson Steffan Jeffrey Kuhlman; sisters Patricia (Jim) Ankrom and Nancy (Dave) Farrow; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am Friday, October 18 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, St. Joseph, followed by private interment Mount Olivet cemetary.
