Joan Ford, age 91 of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Community Parkview Care Center in Elwood following a brief illness and a long, fulfilling life.  She was born on March 17, 1926 in Grant County, the daughter of Ira and Ethel (Dickerson) Spitzmesser.  Joan was a 1944 graduate of Elwood High School.  She was a homemaker all of her life, and was extremely devoted to her family.  Her last employment position was in the office at Shepard Tool Company in Elwood for several years.  In addition, she formerly worked at the Elwood J.C. Penney Store, the Tebco Company, and the Elwood dime store when she was very young.  She married Albert L. Ford on May 20, 1944, and they shared 68 years of life together before his passing in 2012.  She and Albert were former members of Bethel Baptist Church in Elwood where she has served as a Sunday School Teacher.  She was also formerly active in the Fifty Plus Club, and she had been a Brownie Scout leader when her daughters were younger.  Joan was an avid bird watcher, and enjoyed using her binoculars to keep track of the birds on her property.  In addition, she loved flowers, working jigsaw puzzles, baking cookies and candies, and watching "Wheel of Fortune" every day.  She was an excellent seamstress, and made numerous dresses and garments for her family members over the years.  Joan will always be remembered for her beautiful smile that would light up the room.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Joan's family would like to thank the staff of Park Place Assisted Living for the wonderful assistance they provided for Joan over the last three years.  Their kindness will not be forgotten.

Joan's family includes 2 daughters, Rebecca J. Ford of Marion, and Deena J. Smith of Elwood; sister, Joyce (husband Clifford) Brown of Fortville; 3 grandchildren, Michelle Smith of Muncie, Melanie (husband D.J.) Sanders of Muncie, and Marlena Smith (companion Matt Washington) of Alexandria; 5 great-grandchildren, Samantha Vest (fiance Gage Brown), Alexis Sanders, Cameron Vest, Shelby Sanders, and Gabby Sanders; 2 extended great-grandchildren, Ken and Jessica Washington; and several nieces and nephews.  Joan was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Albert L. Ford; brother, Noel (and wives Marjorie & Betty) Spitzmesser; 2 sisters, Carolyn (and husband Bill) Shepard; Carmen (and husband Bill) Bauner; and brother-in-law, William (and wife Betty) Ford.

A funeral service celebrating Joan's life will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner of East Main Street Christian Church officiating.  Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park in Elwood.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association through the funeral home.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.