Elma Kanan

(From Parker Mortuary)

Elma Kanan was born March 13, 1935, in Nordheim, Texas, the eldest child of Eulogia and Arnulfo Muniz. She spent her childhood in Texas with her parents, six siblings, and a paternal grandmother who had a strong influence in shaping her character.

Elma arrived in Joplin, Missouri on Valentine's Day, 1956, by Greyhound bus. It was the same bus station and date that her future husband, Fannun Kanan arrived to Joplin from New York. They met in church a few months later and were married Dec. 2, 1956. Elma and Fannun remained in their adopted hometown Joplin, though they traveled the world during their 56 years together.

Elma Kanan owned and operated a beauty shop for 37 years, and was known as a person who listened to her clients, and as a skilled beautician. Elma was actively involved in managing real estate holdings of her family, and in events that supported the YMCA, Freeman Hospital, and Ozark Center, as well as many philanthropic organizations.

Elma enjoyed colorful things and upbeat music, and she loved to read and treasured her books. She was an artist and autodidact who had a life-long passion for learning. Late in life, she learned how to swim, and enjoyed swimming and other exercising activities with her friends, as well as going out to lunch and talking on the phone with them. For the past two decades, Elma cherished time with her two granddaughters who she adored. She impressed upon them the value of getting an excellent education and she provided opportunities to go to well-regarded schools and to travel across and outside the United States. She passed on her heritage and her husband's heritage by teaching the granddaughters how to cook some of the family's favorite dishes, and to savor life. Elma made a lasting imprint on her granddaughters, and her indomitable spirit will live on through them. During her last year, Elma lived with her daughter in California. Elma enjoyed spending time with her daughter's friends, and her daughter's friends loved “Momma K”.

Elma is survived by a daughter, Renee Kanan; a son, Raaji Kanan; a daughter-in-law, Rebecca Kanan; granddaughters, Adelle Kanan and Audrey Kanan; and three sisters, Yolanda Diaz, Polly Diaz and Edelmira Kaltinger. She was preceded in death by her three brothers, and in 2013 by her husband, Fannun.

Visitation will be Friday, June 15, from 4 to 7 p.m., with a family and friends service at 6 p.m. in Parker Mortuary Chapel.

Private burial will be held at the Fairview Cemetery, in Joplin.