Joanne Near

Biography

Joanne M. Near, 83, of West Liberty, Ohio, passed away Wednesday evening, December 18, 2013 at Mary Rutan Hospital in Bellefontaine, Ohio.

She was born in Ithaca, New York June 16, 1930, to the late John Gaius and Ruth (Allgyer) Baumgartner. She married Dr. H. Wells Near May 22, 1952 in Princeton, New Jersey and he preceded her in death July 26, 1998. She was also preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Dr. David M. Near.

Joanne is survived by her sons, David E. Near of Bronx, New York, Mark H. Near of West Liberty and Thomas W. (Sally) Near of Hilliard, Ohio; five grandchildren, Eric (Justin) Near, Rachel Near, Jess Near, Caitlin Near and Erin Near; two great-grandchildren, Lili and Rowan Near; sisters Carolyn (Bishop George) Bashore of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Nancy (Dr. Warren) Dodson of West Liberty; a sister-in-law, Nancy Near of St. Louis, Missouri and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Joanne was a graduate of Westminster Choir College Class of 1952 in Princeton, New Jersey. She was a choir director and assisted her husband with choirs in Pennsylvania, Ohio and New Jersey. She was a member of the Fortnightly Club and had volunteered at Global Crafts for many years. She was also a member of the South Union Mennonite Church and was active on many committees.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 28, 2013 at 11 A.M. at the South Union Mennonite Church in West Liberty with Pastor Matthew Williams and Bishop George Bashore officiating.

The staff of the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home in West Liberty assisted the family with the arrangements.