On September 12, 2016, Joan Mary Steinlage (age 64) of New Carlisle, Ohio, passed from this world surrounded by her family.

Her unwavering kindness, loving and friendly nature will be forever missed. She was truly a joy to all who knew her.

Joan is survived by her husband of 42 years, Dale Steinlage, and three daughters and their families: Sara and Brian Schepman (Dalyn, Tate, and Ella), Molly and Sean Tener (Graydon and Garrett), and Megan and Jason Rush (Tanner and Harrison).

She cherished her roles as wife, mother, and grandmother. Joan dedicated her life to serving and caring for others. For 19 years, Joan was the Director of Religious Education at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, New Carlisle. She was especially proud of her work, enabling many young people to connect with their Catholic faith, and also facilitating the education program for adults choosing to be welcomed into the Catholic Church.

In addition to her service with the Catholic Church, Joan was a dedicated member of the community. She served on the Board of Trustees for the New Carlisle Public Library for more than 20 years, many as President of the Board. She was instrumental in securing the financial grant needed to fund the construction of the new library building in 1999. She was very proud of her involvement on this board and the success of the NCPL.

Joan will be forever missed by her many friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Mary (Bertke) Riethman of Minster, Ohio.

Her brothers and sisters are Jane and Fred Vehorn, Botkins; Jim and Kathy Riethman, Minster; Denny and Rita Riethman, Coldwater; Teresa and Doug Wehmeyer, Centerville; Rick and Karen Riethman, Minster; Duane and Renette Riethman, Van Wert; and Ted and Tina Riethman, Minster. From Dale's family, brothers and sisters-in-law are Ralph and Mary Steinlage, Dayton; Eileen and Bill (dec.) Huber, St. Henry; Lester and MarJean Steinlage, Englewood; Doris and Ron Rindler, St. Henry; Roger Steinlage and Juanita Stoyka, Dayton; Bernice and Ken Koesters, Coldwater; Verna and Dan Ahlers, Coldwater; Betty and Vince Chase, Springfield; Dan (dec.) and Sheryl Steinlage-Engler, Centerville; and Karen and Roger Ranly, St. Henry. She was aunt to 47 nieces and nephews and their families, and is survived by many, many special friends.

Her journey was one of optimism and courage. She was always happy and an example of compassion, faith, and love to all. She was loved by many, and will be missed by more.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Community Mercy Hospice, Springfield, Ohio (http://community-mercy.org/home_health_hospice donation.asp), or the New Carlisle Public Library (111 E. Lake Ave. New Carlisle, OH, 45344).

Funeral arrangements were handled by Trostel, Chapman, Dunbar & Fraley Funeral Home, New Carlisle. Visitation was at the funeral home 4:00-8:00 pm Thursday, September 15.

Mass of Christian burial was Friday, September 16, at 10:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, New Carlisle.