Wilma Joan Newkirk

Wilma Joan Newkirk, 94, Elk City, Kansas passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at home. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 20, 2025, at the First Christian Church in Elk City, Kansas with burial to follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Elk City, Kansas. The family will receive visitors on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., at Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory. Memorial s may be made to Elk City Pride or The First Christian Church and may be left with the Chapel.

Wilma Joan, fifth child of Herbert H. and Emma Stella (Brand) Greenburg arrived on January 25, 1931, at Hill City, KS. She spent her early childhood in Chautauqua County, attending a small school in Elk County.

Joan married her teen age sweetheart Maxon Lee Newkirk on November 30, 1947. Of this union five were born, Roger Dale, Neal Wayne, Ronald Lee, Debra Ann, and Lloyd Dean. In 2002 she lost her sweetheart of 54 years 9 months 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Joan loved her lord. She first helped in bible school in 1954, Later she taught a class in the friend’s church Methodist and became a member of the church of the Nazarene, where she taught preschool and kindergarten at the bible school children’s church. She was past president of missionary and served several years on the church board.

Joan held membership in the church of the Nazarene and was a member of Gingham Apron, Sunflower church and coterie. Joan was also a member of the pride of Elk City. She enjoyed doing volunteer work, home, and yard work. Joan worked for Emerson Electric for 15 years and retired on January 31, 1993.

Preceding her in death, her husband, Maxlon Lee Newkirk, Roger Dale, Neal Wayne, Ron Newkirk, Parents Herbert and Emma, Brother James, Noel “Storm” two Sister Rosalie McDonald, Margie Welch, and two daughter –in- law's Janet and Wilma.

Those left to cherish her memory include two children, Debbie (Carl) Rayner, Dean Newkirk, daughter – in–law Kathy Newkirk, nine grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren, one brother, Herb Greenburg, one sister, Myra Greenburg Leathers and numerous nieces and nephews. To leave a special message for the family please visit www.webbrodrickchapel.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory.