Joan Michele "Princess" Bales

Joan Michele Bales, lovingly known as “Princess,” passed away at her home on Sunday, April 26, 2026. A devoted member of St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Crocker, Joan lived a life rooted in compassion, service, and joy. Joan graduated from Waynesville High School before continuing her education at the University of Missouri (Mizzou), where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. While at Mizzou, she was a proud member of Delta Gamma sorority. She dedicated 30 years of her life to education in the Waynesville R-VI School District, where she made a lasting impact on countless students—most of those years as a beloved middle school science teacher. Joan shared a beautiful marriage with her husband, Richard “Dickie” Bales for 54 years—a love story for the books. She was a proud and loving mother to her son, Brandon Bales, and daughter-in-law, Hilary Bales. She cherished her role as grandmother to Walker, Gabe, Leslie, and Avery, who brought her immense joy and pride. Joan will be remembered for her infectious laugh, her unwavering faith in God, and her gift for building deep and meaningful friendships. She adored her church family and found great joy in cooking for them—she was especially known for her amazing pies. She loved spending time with her friends and with her niece, Heather, and took special joy in cooking meals for her family, especially June and JD Bales. She also enjoyed traveling, shopping, and spending time with those she loved. Joan had a special gift for writing incredible cards and never missed a birthday, thank-you, or holiday. She had a special fondness for collecting Longaberger baskets and teddy bears. She had a passion for playing cards—especially bridge with her dear friends, where endless memories were made. Joan had a remarkable ability to light up any room and truly loved life. She was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley McReynolds; her father Phil McReynolds; her brothers, John McReynolds and Phil McReynolds (and his wife, Kathy); and her sister, Jeri Davis (and her husband, Den). Joan’s legacy of love, laughter, and faith will live on in all who knew her. Celebration of Life Services were held at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026, in the Waypoint Church of Waynesville, Missouri with Pastor Brett Reith and Pastor Danny Graves officiating. Joan's daughter-in-law, Hilary Bales, read a beautiful eulogy she had written in honor of her mother-in-law. Music was provided by Pianist David Lawson. Mass of Christian Burial were held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 1, 2026, in the St. Cornelius Catholic Church of Crocker, Missouri with Father Michael Murphy officiating. Music was provided by Soloist - Mike Beattie and Pianist Denise Holtzscher. Both services and arrangements were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested in memory of Princess Bales to the Waynesville R-VI Foundation or to the St. Cornelius Catholic Church of Crocker, MO and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory or at either service locations.

Joan Michele "Princess" Bales

March 9, 1950 - April 26, 2026