Joan E. Fox, age 82, of Rockford, passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Lima Memorial Hospital.

She was born November 7, 1941, in Neptune, to Dale & Kathryn (Pond) Fisher. Joan married the love of her life, Pat H. Fox, on August 19, 1961, and he passed away December 17, 2004.

Surviving are their two daughters: Tammy Barlage and Teri (Steve) Samples of Rockford, and three grandsons: Cody Barlage, Riley Samples and Alexavier Samples. Also surviving are her sisters: Mary Bruce of Raleigh, NC, Dorothy (Pat) Trisel of Rockford, and Ruth (Tim) Bennett of Antwerp, sisters-in-law: Gloria Fisher and Delight Fox of Rockford, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Preceding her in death were her husband, parents, brothers: Gene Fisher and Don Fisher, brothers-in-law: Ron Bruce and Gary Fox, sisters-in-law: Jannis Osterloh and Jill Henley, her parents-in-law: Madge & Joe Fox and Richard Hoersten, and grandparents-in-law: Gotlieb and Maude Fox.

Joan was a graduate of Rockford High School, and retired from Celina Insurance Group with over 50 years of service. She was a great cook and baker. Joan's love of the kitchen lead her to cake decorating, and making beautiful cakes for birthdays, graduations, and weddings. Joan attended Rockford United Methodist Church, and was extremely active in the church. She served as secretary of the Women's group and the administrative board. Joan chaired the annual chicken barbecue dinner and auction and the ice cream social, and headed the funeral dinner committee. She assisted with the Wednesday night Kid's Klub, and served at the annual Community Christmas Dinner held at the Community Building in Rockford.

Joan enjoyed traveling, especially trips to Disney, and collecting seashells in Florida with her grandsons. Spending time on the lake, boating, and fireworks, were some other favorite activities. She also liked to play cards, especially Euchre, with family and friends. Joan enjoyed attending all activities involving her grandsons. She also attended nearly all of the athletic events at Parkway, and was so proud of the school. Family and Church were the main focus of Joan's life.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 5, at the Rockford United Methodist Church, with Pastor Bill Halter and Lay Pastor, Casey Nuttle, officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.

Calling Hours are at the Rockford United Methodist Church, Thursday, January 4, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., and also prior to the Services on Friday morning, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Women's Group at the Church or to the Leota Braun Charitable Foundation, to be used towards scholarships for Parkway graduates, in memory of Joan and Pat Fox.

Condolences can be expressed to Joan's family at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.