Dorothy Joanne Rymph, age 95, of Hays, Kansas passed away peacefully Friday, June 21, 2024, at Homestead Assisted Living of Hays.
Joanne was born March 22, 1929, in Kansas City Missouri to Dr. Roy and Marguerite (Burger) Coffey. Dr. Coffey was an orthopedic surgeon at St. Anthony's Hays. She married William H. Rymph on July 20, 1948, at the First Presbyterian Church in Hays, Kansas. He preceded her in death on September 19, 1997.
Joanne grew up in Hays, was a graduate of Hays High School and was the first Hays High Homecoming Queen. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for 70 years making her the longest member of the church. She also sang in the church choir. Her other memberships included PEO and the Smokey Hill Country Club.
Joanne's parents built and operated the El Charro Restaurant and Motel on east Highway 40 in Hays where young Joanne assisted her mother with the daily operations. Joanne and her husband Bill later became owner/operators of the El Charro Convenience Store and apartments. She received her Bachelor's Degree in education from Fort Hays State University and was a teacher over the years in Hays elementary, junior high and high school. Retiring in 2000, Joanne lived in her home until moving to Homestead Assisted Living six years ago. Over the years she enjoyed playing piano, golfing, sewing, playing bridge and bingo and was always an avid reader.
Joanne is survived by her children, William C. Rymph and wife Susan, Ellis, KS; Terry Lynne Tedesco, Tucson, AZ; her grandchildren, Kristi Tedesco, Kurt Tedesco, Ryan Woods, Troy Rymph and wife, Savannah; and her five great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Roy and Marguerite; her husband, William H.; and her granddaughter, Kim Tedesco.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m.. Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church, 2900 Hall Street, Hays, Kansas with Reverend Christine Wagner officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Thursday, at the church. The burial will be in Mount Allen Cemetery, Hays, Kansas.
The family suggests memorials to the First Presbyterian Church, Hays, Kansas.
Services are entrusted to Cline's-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. Condolences can be sent via e-mail to [email protected] or can be left at guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.