Joan Howard

Joan Howard of Warsaw, Indiana passed away at home surrounded by family at 8:17 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at the age of 90.

She was born on March 4, 1933, in Dwale, Floyd County, Kentucky to Pearl (Vaughn) Blanton and Wayne Blanton.  On September 12, 1972, she married Charles Howard, they would have celebrated their 51st anniversary this year.    

Joan was always on the go…a hard-working lady who was not afraid to try new adventures to help raise her family.  She worked for many years as a cashier at the Winona Quick Mart, was a caregiver, worked for Cardinal Services, Cato’s and her most beloved job ever was simply being Mom.  She loved church, gospel music and was an amazing cook of southern comfort food.  Throughout her life EVERY Sunday she had her family over for dinner and did so until her health declined.  Joan was wonderful with her hands and had an eye for detail in the lovely floral arrangements she enjoyed making, was crafty and made many wonderful quilts.  A particular trait that one soon realized when riding in a car with Joan was her amazing lead foot!

Joan was a warrior, a courageous, strong, beautiful soul, who was selfless and generous to a fault.  With a kind heart she spent her time on this earth always helping those in need, donating food, and loving-on her family.  She was never judgmental, and always supported her family.  Joan was a loving and devoted wife to Charles…to which he always referred to her as the best wife ever!  Most of all she was a follower of Christ her entire life, the daughter of a preacher, she loved serving her Lord in everything she did. Family and her faith were the most important things in her life. 

She will be dearly missed by those who loved her, her husband, Charles Howard (Warsaw, IN); two sons, Tommy (Roberta) Hatfield (Winona Lake, IN); C. Brian (Scott Rysiawa) Howard (Ft. Wayne, IN); daughter, Tammy (David) Patrick (Leesburg, IN); and son-in-law, Virgil Johnson (Prestonsburg, KY).  Also surviving are three grandchildren, Tessa (Matt) Earhart (Ft. Wayne, IN); Amy (Ryan) Rosswurm (Columbia City, IN); Krissy (Jeff) Feltner (Nicholasville, KY); four great-grandchildren; sister, Carol (Earl) Howard (Warsaw, IN); and many nieces, nephews and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, John Henry Hatfield, daughter, Donna Johnson, four brothers, Earl, Tommy, Billy and Dock Blanton, and three sisters, Shirley Lafferty, Susan Slone and Mary Taylor. 

Friends and family may visit from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 28, 2023, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana.  Joan’s life will be celebrated with a private family service, and she will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw.   

Memorial donations may be directed to Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Indiana Chapter, 50 E. 91st Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN  46240. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan Howard, please visit our floral store.