Joan E. Daugherty

Joan (Eaman) Daugherty February 10, 1922 - June 29, 2023 "To have made even one person’s life a little better, that is to succeed". Henry David Thoreau Joan (pronounced Joann) was born on February 10, 1922, in Garden City, Kansas. She was a depression-era child whose father lost his ranch causing the family to move to town. This experience instilled a lifelong strong work ethic and belief in the importance of moderation. Joan was to have the remarkable blessing of her grandparents living close by. The middle of three children, Joan had an older brother, Tom, and a younger sister, Edith Ann. An academic scholarship to Emporia State College was awarded to Joan when she graduated high school. Packing a suitcase, Joan took the train to Emporia, Kansas where she was to earn a teaching degree majoring in English and Drama. WWII was declared during her college years. At 22 years of age and teaching certificate in hand, Joan once again packed her suitcase and this time headed to Aberdeen for her first high school teaching assignment and living experience in Washington state. In her first year of teaching, Joan directed 3 plays which she thoroughly enjoyed. Following one year in Aberdeen, Joan moved to the Bay Area of California for a teaching assignment. WWII ended during this time period. Joan’s brother, Tom, had served in the war, and when the armistice was declared Joan was to join the crowds celebrating in the streets the war being over. In the Bay Area, Joan met her future husband, Joseph (“Joe”) Daugherty. The two were to marry on July 21, 1946, in Joan’s parent’s home in Kansas with Joe’s family attending. The couple welcomed a daughter, Colleen, and a son, Kevin during their 67 years of marriage. The Daugherty’s arrived in Cheney when Joe took a professor position at Eastern Washington State College (EWU) in the Art Department where he remained until retirement. Joan also taught in Cheney – English and served as librarian – at the Junior High School. Both Colleen and Kevin graduated from Cheney schools. Joan and Joe were to travel extensively in both Europe and America. They both enjoyed all their travel adventures. They especially enjoyed time spent with their family and friends. The Daugherty home was filled with good food and memories whenever they entertained. Joan, in addition to teaching, was an active member of her church, Beta Sigma Phi, Chapter AJ P.E.O., Cheney Friends of the Library, as well as various professional organizations. In fact, Joan was one of four women (Joan, Eleanor Carney, Vee Fletcher, Betty Rennebohm) to spearhead the successful building campaign for a new library for Cheney dedicated in November 1988. Joan’s wit, wisdom, and caring nature will always be remembered by those who knew her. A Celebration of Life will honor Joan Daugherty on Saturday, July 29 at 10 a.m. – Cheney Congregational Church, 423 North 6th Street, Cheney