Joan Elizabeth Hickert Coady

Joan Elizabeth Hickert Coady, 87, of Salina, passed away Wednesday, July 30th, at Sterling House of Salina, Kansas. Joan was born on the family farm in Norton County, Kansas on May 12, 1927, daughter of the late Elta Mary (Moser) and Joseph Francis Hickert. She graduated from St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Topeka. She was recruited by the Federal Government to help establish the Polio Wards during the Polio epidemic. She specialized in caring for patients in Iron Lung Wards. Once the epidemic subsided, she continued her nursing career with the American Red Cross Blood Mobiles in Salt Lake City, Utah and Portland, Oregon where she retired at the age of 72. In her free time, she loved the adventure of traveling. Survivors include brother, George Hickert and wife Barbara, of El Segundo, California; sister, Norma Hickert Frank and husband Chuck, of Salina, Kansas; sister-in-law, Alene Hickert, of Blue Springs, Missouri; stepson, John Coady of Ocean City, Oregon. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her brother, Walter Hickert; sister Helen Schoen; and stepson, Douglas Coady At the family's request there will be no visitation as cremation has been chosen. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Salina 730 Holly Lane, Box 2238 Salina, Kansas 67401 or American Red Cross, North Central Kansas Chapter, 145 S. Broadway, Salina, Kansas 67401.