Obituary

Helen Joan Hockett, 88, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed from this life peacefully in the early hours of Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Jefferson Healthcare in Lee’s Summit.

Joan (pronounced Jo-Ann), as she was known by all, was born on January 14, 1937, in New Cambria, Macon County, Missouri, to Pearl M. and Ora Marie Milliron, the eldest of two children. She grew up in Macon and Carroll counties in Missouri and attended Tina-Avalon High School, where she met her soulmate and the love of her life, Ralph W. Hockett. They were married in Carroll County on February 18, 1956. Joan followed her husband, serving as an Air Force wife for over six years. After military life, Ralph and Joan settled in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, to raise their four children.

Joan’s early career was being a dedicated mother and housewife, taking excellent care of her husband and family. She quickly became the neighborhood mom, helping to raise every kid in the area. Once her own children were grown, she reentered the workforce. With her wide range of skills, she held various positions, including working with the Highway Patrol and managing a Burger King. Both Ralph and Joan were active members of the Lee’s Summit Elks Lodge.

Joan was the caretaker of all. She was always ready to help, whether by looking after your children, cooking a meal, or hosting a birthday party. She loved her family and friends with her whole heart and especially cherished time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her quiet way, she observed others closely and learned more by watching than by speaking. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Services will be held on Friday, July 25 at 1:00 p.m. at Langsford Funeral Home in Lee’s Summit. Joan will be carried to her final resting place in Oak Ridge Memory Gardens in Independence by her grandsons: Bobby Hunt, Matthew Kirn, Michael Cummins, Caleb Kirn, Lucas Kirn, Chad Byers, and Jeremy Byers.

Joan is survived by her children Debbie Jo (Rick) Turney (Lee’s Summit), Linda Kay Kirn (Lee’s Summit), Mary Lou Cummins (Independence), and Mark Dean Hockett (Lee’s Summit); 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brother.