Joan Ferns, 93 of Eddyville and formerly of What Cheer, died on Monday, May 5th, 2025, at Mahaska Health Partnership in Oskaloosa. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 10th, 2025, at 10:00 am at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in What Cheer.  Burial will be in Sixteen Cemetery near What Cheer.  Visitation will be held on Friday, May 9th with the family present from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in What Cheer.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  Holland-Coble Funeral Home of What Cheer is in charge of the arrangements.

Joan Rosemary Ferns was born on January 16, 1932, in Oskaloosa, Iowa to Harold and Opal VanRossum Moore. She was a 1949 graduate of Oskaloosa High School. She then attended Iowa State Teachers College for one year, but life had a different path for Joan. On July 7, 1951, she was united in marriage to Louis Duane Ferns in Rose Hill, Iowa.  Over the years she worked several jobs, all of which centered around meeting the needs of others. Joan worked as a Child Protective Service Agent where she guided troubled families through their struggles. She also served on the Keokuk County Landfill Board and the What Cheer City Council. Joan served as a volunteered for Senior Meals and Share Iowa. Joan was also a member of Royals Neighbors of America and Pythian Sisters.  In 2001, she opened Joans Café in What Cheer. She poured her heart and soul into Joan's Cafe where she became legendary for serving the best broasted chicken around. Whether it was a regular stopping in for a comforting meal or a traveler hearing whispers of the town's finest dish, she made sure everyone left her restaurant with a full stomach and an even fuller heart.

Joan had a strong passion for serving others. Her dedication to justice and compassion made a difference in countless lives.  Joan strived to bring people together, whether through service, shared interests, or simple moments of laughter and joy.  Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose love knew no bounds. She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her wisdom, kindness, and unwavering support. Her memory will continue to live on in the meals she made, the lives she touched, and the values she instilled in those who were lucky enough to know her.

She is survived by her two daughters; Rose Acord and Cindy Davis; two grandsons, Jake (Lisa) Davis and Zeb Acord; four great-grandchildren, Ethan Davis, Kyle Davis, Nicole Davis, and Blake Davis.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Louis Ferns; brother, Earl Moore; granddaughter, Jessica Davis; son-in-law, Duane Davis.