ELLEN JOAN NUZUM

Ellen Joan Nuzum, 71, of Frontenac, passed away at 1:06 a.m. Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at her home.

She was born Sept. 17, 1938 at Hiatville, Kan., the daughter of Alvin and Pauline (Baldwin) Nuzum.

Joan graduated from Uniontown High School in 1956.

She attended Pittsburg State University obtaining her B.S. and M.S. in Education.

She had been a resident of Pittsburg, Arma and Frontenac for the past 49 years.

Joan started her teaching career at Uniontown High School in 1960, teaching there until 1965.

She continued her career at the Pittsburg public school district, teaching and coaching from 1965 to 1982.

While at Pittsburg High School, she started the girl's basketball program -- taking her team to State twice.

After retiring from teaching, Joan worked for Class LTD and Bridges Community Care.

She was a member of the First Christian Church, Pittsburg.

Joan loved to play golf and played with the Elks Women's Golf group.

Survivors include her longtime friend and caregiver, Sharon Coon of the home; a brother, Gene Nuzum and his wife, Helen of Arma, Kan.; several nieces and nephews, Lori and Ed Baker of N.C., Julie and Art Trautman of Ariz., Jan Schul of Lenexa, Kan., Diana Simrell of Fla., Paula Clark of Minn., Mike Nuzum of Minn., and Jim Nuzum of Fort Scott, Kan.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Bill Nuzum and a sister, Georgia Nuzum.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 24 at the Brenner Mortuary. Private family burial will be in the Garden of Memories Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials to Angels Among Us. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, Kan., 66762.

Friends may also leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, Kan.