Joan Elaine Row

Joan Elaine (Baker) Row, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, passed into eternal glory on Monday, October 18, at the age of 79.  She was born on October 31, 1941, to Howard and Ardale (Meikle) Baker.  Joan met the love of her life, Gary Row, when he crashed her 16th birthday party and she soaped his car windows (a favorite family story because without this, where would we all be?).  They were married on August 5, 1961, and recently celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary.  They were blessed with three boys, their pride and joy:  Gary, Mike and Greg.

Joan was a 1959 graduate of Clay High School in Oregon, OH, where she was cheerleader and a member of National Honor Society, and attended The University of Toledo, majoring in Education.  She taught in Toledo City Schools before staying home with her three boys.  She later taught numerous after-school and evening computer classes.  She and Gary owned and operated the Walbridge Roller rink for over 20 years, where she taught figure skating to many.

Joan enjoyed painting and sewing, always sharing her talent with others.  Many family and friends have been gifted with her artistic treasures over the years.  She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, where she first attended at the age of 16.  She and Gary were married there and raised their family there.  She was active in all areas of the church, from teaching adult Sunday school for over 40 years, Vacation Bible School and the boys’ Sunday school classes to being worship committee leader for many years, along with developing and maintaining many close friendships within her church family and community.  She also belonged to two Bunco groups, one of which has met since high school, and she cherished these friendships.

She loved family camping trips, road trips visiting family in Youngstown, and adventures in the motorhome with Gary. Her greatest joy was her family.  Nothing could bring a smile to her face quicker than a visit from family members.  She loved attending all her children and grandchildren’s events, regardless of weather or distance, rarely missing any.

She is survived by her loving husband, Gary, her sons and their spouses, Gary and Lisa Row, Michael and Kristin Row, and Greg and Allison Row; precious grandchildren, Matthew (Haylee), Sarah (Matt Williams), Zachary, Lucas, Kyle (Lindsay Schiavone), Eric, Sutton, Lincoln and Aubree; her loving sister and best friend, Patti (Mark) Berryman, niece, Lori (Rob) Branyan; nephews, Marc (Kelly) Berryman and David Berryman; great-nephews Matthew (Brooke) Bodeman, Chase Bodeman, Collin and Aiden Berryman, and loving aunt, June Meikle; along with many cousins and close friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation will be at Freck Funeral Home, 1155 S. Wynn Road, Oregon, on Sunday, October 24, from 2:00-8:00 pm.  Funeral services will be held at Christ United Methodist Church, 5757 Starr Ave. Ext, Oregon, on Monday, October 25 at 11:00 am, with visitation at 10:00 am.  Final resting place will be Lake Township Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church.

“Well done, good and faithful servant … enter into the joy of your Lord.” -Matthew 25:23