Joan Root Courkamp, 90, passed away on July 15, 2026, at Shepherd’s Center in Cimarron, Kansas. Joan was born on August 7, 1935, in Walsh, Colorado, to Clarence Root and Mary Margaret (Failes) Root. She graduated from the Colorado State College and was a lifelong learner who believed deeply in the value of education and personal growth.

Joan dedicated much of her career to teaching English and special education, inspiring generations of students in the schools of McClave, Wiley, Walsh, and Campo, Colorado. She found great joy in helping others learn and carried that passion throughout her life.

Joan was married to Terry Courkamp in 1957, and the couple later divorced in 1978.

Over the years, Joan enjoyed living in several communities, including Canon City, Colorado. Later in life, she especially cherished living close to her grandchildren in Liberal, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jim Root. Joan is survived by her daughter, Teresa Winger Martin of Dodge City, Kansas; her sons, Mitchell Courkamp of Tyrone, Oklahoma, and Michael Courkamp of Hooker, Oklahoma; her niece, Sherry Wulff of Manhattan, Montana; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Joan will be remembered for her love of learning, her dedication as an educator, and her deep devotion to her family and the Denver Broncos.

A memorial service will be held at the Global Methodist Church in Cimarron, Kansas, on August 8 at 10:30 a.m. with a time to visit at her daughter, Teresa's home following the service.

Memorial donations are suggested to Special Olympics of Dodge City in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.