Joan Mae Buckingham of Independence, Missouri passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 25, 2023. She was 87 years old. Joan was born to Arthur and Ruth LaBarre on September 28, 1935 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Joan was raised in Pennsylvania and graduated from Easton high school in 1953. She enjoyed playing on the basketball team. As a young woman she worked for the Easton Express newspaper company and held several other jobs over the years while raising her two sons. She was finally able to retire from the V.A. hospital in Kansas City, Mo. just a few short years ago. Joan was a talented seamstress, liked to crochet, knit and embroider. She specifically enjoyed making doll clothes for her niece. Joan was an avid sports fan and loved to cheer on her favorite teams, the Kansas City Chiefs and the University of Nebraska. She was a kind soul and will be missed dearly.
Joan is survived by her son, Barry Last (Brenda); sister, Donna Rudy; granddaughters, Mary Last and Tony Christianson and numerous nieces and nephews.
She’s preceded in death by her son, Gary Last; sister, Carol Ritzell and brother, Arthur LaBarre Jr.
Cremation is planned.