Joan B. Dresser, 77, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 5 ^th , 2021, after a brave 3 year battle with cancer.

She was born on August 25, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois.  She was the daughter of Glenn M. and Margaret Templeman.  She was a 1962 graduate of Willowbrook High School in Villa Park, Illinois.  She married her high school sweetheart, Frank Dresser, on January 24 ^th , 1964.  Joan worked for several years as a bookkeeper at Villa Park Trust and Savings Bank before she and Frank relocated from the Chicagoland area to Southwest Missouri in 1969.  While Frank worked for Owens Illinois/Sweetheart Cup, Joan was a stay-at-home mom, a job she took very seriously and enjoyed greatly.   She was a loving supporter, loyal Girl Scout leader, and tireless chauffeur to extra-curricular activities while her daughters were young.  In 1988, Joan went back to work outside the home, working at Savage Sign Company.  In 1993, she went back to doing what she excelled at, working with numbers as a cash office/billing administrator for Lowe's on Primrose in Springfield. Missouri. She loved this job for the challenges it offered and for the many friendships she made during the 20 years she worked there.

Her first love was for her Lord followed closely by her love and devotion to her family.  Joan and Frank were married for 52 years until his death in 2016.  She arranged her work schedule to be able to spend time with her children and grandchildren every chance she could get.  She LOVED every minute she was able to spend with each grandchild and specialized in knowing everything about what they were doing and always made sure their favorite foods and activities were in her house!  She also enjoyed knitting projects, coffee, reading Max Lucado books, and catching up with others on the phone.

Joan and Frank enjoyed being members of River of Life Church where they served in many capacities together. She volunteered for years in their community clothes closet.  In her more recent years, she became a member of the Willard Community Christian Church where she was baptized, attended the women's group, and participated in everything she was physically able to do.  She cherished her church families.  She often shared with others her love for the Lord and sought opportunities to show God's love in encouraging words and deeds.

She is survived by her two daughters; Cyndi Clutter and her husband Jack, and their two sons Shawn and Nathan; and Carrie Harper and her husband Warren, and their two daughters Rebekah and Rachel.  She is also survived by her sister Carol Dresser and her husband Bruce along with her sister Kathy Templeman.  She's also survived by her three sisters-in-law: Barb Templeman, Bev Macdonald, and Gerry Lamberty.  She was proceeded in death by her husband Frank, her parents, as well as her older brother, Glenn Templeman.

Through the challenging times of being Frank's caretaker during his illness, as well the entire time she was courageously fighting cancer, Joan continually relied on God's strength and direction as well as His daily presence.  Her life modeled Proverbs 3:5: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Joan will be remembered always for her love of the Lord, her generous spirit, and her ever-encouraging words and actions.

A private family grave side burial will be held Tuesday, August 17, 2021.  A Celebration of Life gathering is to be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 11:00am at Story Church (203 Jamestown Boulevard) in Rogersville, MO.