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Joan E. Oxender, age 85, formerly of Haslett, MI, passed away Sunday, April 9, 2017, at Orchard Grove Health Campus, Romeo, MI. She was born in Fort Wayne, IN on April 11, 1931, daughter of the late Ralph S. Smith and Lura L. (Kneller) Smith Alexander Bickle. She graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1949. She was a daughter-in-law of the late Harry and Myrtle Oxender. Joan worked as a data entry clerk for Michigan State University, retiring after 26 years. She was a steadfast MSU fan. Joan had also been a farm wife and mom who lived for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and her dog Cassidy. She was an avid reader, loved to garden and was very proud that she had won a cherry pie contest, presenting her first place entry to the governor in 1950. She will be deeply missed.
Surviving Joan are her daughters Barbara (Bill) Saar, Bratenahl, OH, Belinda (Tom) Wietor, Romeo, MI, Bethany (Michael) Reid, Grand Haven, MI, son Tom (Laurie) Oxender, Haslett, MI, sisters Irma (Dick) Johnson, Sara (Dale) Stuby and Susan Outman. Also surviving are eight grandchildren Tom and Katelyn Wietor, Lauren and Robbie Reid, Natasha (Geoff) Kimmerly, Kayla, Dylan and Taylor Oxender, two great grandchildren Henry and George Kimmerly, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister Lois Hassenger and brother-in-laws Stanley Hassenger and David Outman.
Relatives and friends will be received Saturday, April 15, 2017, at the Messiah Lutheran Church, Constantine, MI, at 10 AM prior to services at 11 AM. Pastor Dennis Smith will officiate. Interment will follow at Prairie River Cemetery, Centreville, MI. A luncheon will be served at Silver Spoons Catering, White Pigeon, MI.
The family requests no flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to University Hospitals Neurologic Institute – Stroke Center, P.O. Box 74947, Cleveland, OH 44101-9927, Attn: Dr. Michael Devereaux in Memory of Joan E. Oxender. Envelopes will be available at the funeral. Online messages may be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.
