Joan Starns

Joan Starns passed away on Friday, May 29, 2020 at her home in Haxtun at the age of 83.

Joan Jacqueline Cowen was born Jan. 1, 1937 in Ft. Morgan to Glen Howard Cowen and Gladys Almira (Harding) Cowen. She was the youngest of five siblings; Manuel, Elizabeth, Phoebe and Glen.

As a teenager, she began working for her aunt, Zorah Jones, at the Haxtun Hospital as a Candy Striper, earning 50 cents per night. This would lead to a lifelong career in nursing. Following her graduation from Haxtun High School, she married Verdel Westerman in 1954 in Sterling, and to this union they welcomed Jodell Rae,...