Joan L. Parks, 89, of Seneca, Kansas, died early Wednesday morning, May 9, 2012 at Life Care Center in Seneca.

Joan was born on October 13, 1922 on a farm east of Baileyville to John and Anna Deters Kokenge. She grew up in the Baileyville and Seneca communities. She attended Woodenshoe Country School and graduated from Seneca Public High School in 1940. After school she went to work for Dr. Barnes. For a time she lived in Leavenworth, Kansas. In 1958 she returned to Seneca, and went to work for Farmers Home Administration in Seneca, working there until she retired 1970.

She was married to Lenoel E. “Lee” Parks on July 25, 1970 in Alma, Kansas. The couple then made their home in Silver Lake, until her husband of 30 years preceded her in death in 2000. In 2001, she returned to Seneca.

She was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, St. Ann’s Altar Society and the American Legion Auxiliary in Seneca. She enjoyed playing golf and bridge, doing crossword puzzles and sewing.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Lenoel E. Parks on December 19, 2000; a granddaughter, Jennifer Rosengarten on May 22, 1999; and brothers John, Francis and Leander Kokenge.

Joan is survived by a son, Charlie (Jeannie) Rosengarten of Green Valley, Arizona; a daughter, Tonda Rosengarten of Lenexa, Kansas; two brothers, Max Kokenge of Seneca, and Bob Kokenge of Manhattan; and a sister, Mary Kramer of Lincoln, Nebraska; two grandsons, Corey (Jessica) Rosengarten and Casey Rosengarten; and a great-grandson Akahi.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 AM Friday, May 11, at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A rosary will be prayed at 7 PM Thursday, May 10, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given in Joan’s memory for the Life Care Center, and sent in care of the family.