P. Joan Loerch

P. Joan Loerch, 87, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away on Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 after two years in memory care at Prairie House (Broken Arrow). She was born to Philip and Louis Edens, on December 29th, 1932 in Tulsa. Joan graduated from Sand Springs High School in 1950. First husband, Jack Boyd, married in 1950 for 15 years with two sons, Rick and Danny Boyd. Jack and Danny are deceased. Second husband, John F. Loerch married June 7, 1975 for 32 years with two stepchildren: John Loerch Jr. and Denise Scheerer. John Sr. is deceased. Joan began working in the Medical Field in 1966 doing front desk, secretarial and accounting duties for two General Surgeons. She later received 'on the job training' in Medical Transcription and became highly skilled at her trade. Joan first retired in 2005 to enjoy traveling freely with her second husband, John. After John's death she accepted an offer to return to part time employment at Plastic Surgery Associates of Tulsa. She continued working through the retirement of 2 of the 3 Surgeons in the group. Joan fully retired at the age of 83 after the practice computer system was updated. Joan's talents and hobbies included knitting, playing piano, dancing, writing, and working crossword puzzles. As she became increasingly home bound she would collaborate over the phone with a good friend to solve difficult crossword puzzles. She was a devoted Sandite, rooting at Rick's wrestling tournaments during his youth, attending Charles Page Alumni Association meetings, and attending monthly reunion lunches with High School classmates well into her 80's. Joan loved her family. Most of the walls in her home were plastered with pictures of family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a frequent attendee at great-niece and nephew local school sporting events. Joan's ham hock & beans or homemade ice cream were a regular favorite at family gatherings. Joan was raised Pentecostal and later attended Resurrection Catholic Church with her second husband, John. She was a non-denominational devout Christian after his death and studied the Bible on a daily basis, enjoying "traditional" Gospel music and the Christian Television Network. Joan married John F. Loerch June 7, 1975. John, a widower, fell head over heels for Joan and proposed marriage just 3 weeks after meeting her on a blind date at the Gas Light Theatre in Tulsa. Joan was shocked and anxious until "One evening he took me dancing. He was Fred Astaire on the dance floor and I was "sold." Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers had nothing on these two. Off the dance floor, the romance and a "32 year Honeymoon" was never ending. Joan wrote a journal recounting their life together and said "My life took off in a whirl and what a wonderful life it has been." John Loerch was a highly decorated fighter pilot in the U.S. Airforce; a Colonel in the Tulsa Air National Guard; and a Vintage Air Plane enthusiast post retirement. John and Joan attended Air Force Reunions, traveled the world, took cruises and flew on cross-country trips and to various Air Shows with their circle of friends. Their Civilian-flying group came to be known as "the Tulsa Bunch." John was partner/owner in a hangar at Riverside airport along with good friend Chester Reyckert. The hanger became a favorite "gathering" spot for many of their friends. Joan journaled that every day was "fun & games...much laughter could be heard". Joan was constantly challenged to keep up with John's humor, quick wit and shenanigans. She was often surprised at breakfast by a spontaneous "Pack your bag... we're going to Niagara Falls... or, we are going to Yellowstone... or, we are going to Lookout Mountain in Tennessee, or whatever destination he deemed they should visit. John and Joan were loyal Tulsa enthusiasts and held season tickets to Tulsa Driller's games, Tulsa PAC and the Signature Symphony. Their volunteer activities included driving those in need to Cancer appointments, and assisting in disaster relief efforts. Joan continued to sit in for John at the Central Rotary Club meetings and accepted invites to various Air Force, Air Guard or Hanger events after John's death in 2007. Joan's beautiful smile would light up a room and we were blessed with this smile through Facetime when COVID prevented visits in the final months preceding her death. She continued to outwit others, even with her late onset dementia, often spontaneously quoting John Loerchisms and catching Caretakers off guard. Joan is survived by son Rick Boyd and wife Carol of Houston; stepson John F. Loerch Jr. and wife Sandra of Tulsa; stepdaughter Denise Scheerer of Los Angeles; sister Linda Campbell of Tulsa; nephew Darren Ramey and wife Jennifer of Tulsa; 9 grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by the love of her life John F. Loerch; her dear brother James Edens; and eldest son Danny Boyd. A private family 'Celebration of Life' will be held, in lieu of a service. Memorial donations may be made to Meals on Wheels or Community Food Bank. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233

P. Joan Loerch

December 29, 1932 - October 3, 2020