Obituary of Joan Rae Bostrom

Joan Rae Johnson Bostrom was born in Sioux City Iowa on June 8, 1929 and passed away in Frankfort, Kentucky on June 11, 2021. She is survived by her three children: Rob Bostrom of Versailles (Laura), Erik Bostrom of Versailles (Anita) and Rebecca Bostrom (Gary Langfitt) of Columbus, Ohio; her five grandchildren: Maria Bostrom Galvin, Peter Bostrom, Anna Bostrom, Caitlin Langfitt and Ash Mosquera; and two great grandchildren: Niall Galvin and Rory Galvin.

She received a history degree from Morningside College in Sioux City. She then married Dr. Robert Bostrom; and his career as a professor led them to Iowa City, Iowa; Sacramento, California; Macomb, Illinois; and Athens, Ohio before coming to Lexington. Joan and Robert went their separate ways which resulted in a switch from homemaker to a career in real estate and subsequently the College of Law at the University of Kentucky. She retired at the age of 76! Joan and her partner of over 30 years, Ralph Huffsey, enjoyed a life of gardening, reading and grandchildren.

Joan treasured her grandchildren and was always in attendance at their many activities in the arts and athletics. Joan was known for her glorious gardens and shared flower arrangements with any one she visited. She instilled a love of books and reading to her children. In all the places she lived, the family dinner table was open to all to share her outstanding cooking skills, piled high with her delicious creations.

Services will be held at the Apostles Anglican Church in Lexington, Kentucky on Saturday, June 19th at 2:15 EDT with visitation preceding at 1:00. Donations may be made in Joan’s honor to the Bluegrass Council of the Blind or the Lexington Alzheimer's Association.