Joan M. “Joni” Owen, 78, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, at Kindred Hospital Lima.

She was born on Oct. 24,1942 in LaFayette, Ohio, to Robert Chester and M. Imogene (Weaver) Long who preceded her in death. On June 12, 1960, Joan married Myron F. Owen and he preceded her in death on Aug. 17, 2006. 

Joni retired from Allen East School District, where she was a bus driver. She also helped to farm the family farm. She was a member of the LaFayette Congregational Christian Church. 

Joan wore many hats for the church, she wrote the newsletter for 16 years, flower Lady, headed up the funeral lunches and booking the church for outside events.  She was a member of the Ohio Child Conservation League for 52 years, where she served as a former district president, assistant scholarship treasurer and memorial chair. Joni was also a member of the State Board of School Retirees and served as a district representative, vice-president and president. 

She is survived by her two daughters: Rachelle “Ricki” (Jamie) Lewis of Harrod and Beth Ann (William) Bass of Ada; five grandchildren: Trent (Morgan), Dalton (Kendra) and Levi Bass and Danielle (Ryan) Risner and Courtney Lewis; five great-grandchildren: Ansley, Brantley, Brooklyn, Ellary and Eagan; a brother, Greg (Ellie) Long of Carrollton, GA; two sisters: Jackie Ackerman of Harrod and Jan (Glen) Williams of Lima; a step sister, Pat Fancher of Ada.

She was preceded in death by a grandson, Ian Michael Bass; and a step sister, Betty Fisher.

Attendance will be restricted at the funeral and visitation based on space to accommodate social distancing requirements.  Face coverings must be worn while attending visitation and service. 

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 2, at the LaFayette Congregational Christian Church at 205 W. Main St., LaFayette, with Pastor Charles Moeller officiating. 

Burial will be in Liberty Chapel Cemetery, LaFayette. The funeral service for Joni will be live streamed on the Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services Facebook Page beginning at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 2.   

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, March 1, at Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Ada, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Samaritan House, Lima.