Joan Elaine Ireland, 78, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025. Born on February 16, 1947, in Aurora, Missouri, Joan was the beloved daughter of the late Herschel "Dean" Maze and Martha "Margaret" (Allder) Maze.

Joan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her loving husband, Melvin "Lee" Ireland, with whom she just celebrated 58 years of marriage. She leaves behind her sons Lawrence (Amy, fiancée) and Sean (Laurie, wife), three grandchildren (Morgan, William, and Keira), a great-granddaughter (Hazel), two siblings, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Joan was preceded in death by her brother, Allder Maze, and sister, Mary Kennedy.

Always eager to learn and apply herself, Joan attended Raytown South High School, Central Methodist University, the University of Missouri Kansas City, and Oglethorpe University. Her distinguished 30-year career at AT&T was characterized by dedication, diligence, kindness, and respect, before retiring as a manager in 2000. Afterward, she and her husband moved back to Missouri, having lived ten years near Atlanta, Georgia.

Joan continued to remain active as she embraced the country life, worked often for a local business, and devoted much of her time to the Marshfield United Methodist Church. Her vibrant spirit shone through her many passions throughout the years: traveling, choir, genealogy, Beta Sigma Phi, pickleball, diving, birding, Pilates, and scrapbooking. She was known for her infectious smile, grace, positive outlook, selflessness, and unwavering love for others.

Joan was the heart of her family, often hosting the annual Maze reunion. Her warmth and generosity touched countless lives who will deeply miss her. We are confident that her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends as they remember her compassion, intelligence, love, moral strength, and resilience.

Visitation will be on August 1, 6:30 to 8:00 pm, and funeral service will be on August 2, 10:30 am, both located at Marshfield United Methodist Church, 220 S Elm Rd, Marshfield, MO 65706.

In honor of Joan, contributions can be made electronically or with a check to the Marshfield United Methodist Church or the Girl Scouts at https://www.continuetogive.com/4840689 and https://www.girlscouts.org/en/support-us/donate.html .

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.