Joan Sommers Wood

Joan Sommers Wood, age 88, of Waco, Texas formerly of Redwood Falls, Minnesota passed away Thursday, February 22, 2024 at Wesley Woods in Waco, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the Middle Creek United Methodist Church with Pastor Gwen Bohlke officiating, in rural Redwood Falls with burial to follow in the Middle Creek Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024, all at the Middle Creek United Methodist Church.

Joan was born January 10, 1936, near Redwood Falls, MN, the daughter of the late Aaron and Marcella Sommers. She was a graduate of Danube High School and a graduate of North Central College in Naperville, Illinois where she earned a bachelor's degree. She later received her master's degree in library science from Texas Women's University. During her professional career, Joan taught in Danube, Minnesota, Keller, TX, and finally at Denton Ryan and Denton High School in Texas from which she retired. She enjoyed gardening, walking, and playing bridge with her friends. Joan always had a smile on her face and never met a stranger.

Survivors include her daughter, Terri Benton; her son, Tony Messina and wife Jessica; her grandchildren, Jamie Stone and Alex Benton; a great-granddaughter, Freya; her sisters, Jan Johnson; and Barb Nelson and husband Stan; and many other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Middle Creek United Methodist Church or Middle Creek Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Redwood Falls. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com.

In loving memory.