Joan Graham , age 83 of Ellettsville and formerly of Elwood, passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at Stonecroft Nursing Home in Bloomington following a brief illness.  She was born November 28, 1937 in Muncie, the daughter of John and Rosemary (Kerr) Graham.  She was raised in the Christian faith.  Joan was a 1955 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School.  She first worked as a secretary at her family's business, Elwood Tool and Die in Elwood.  Later, she worked as a telephone operator.  Joan received her certification as a nurse aide and worked several years at both Dickey Nursing Home and Parkview Nursing Home in Elwood.  Near retirement, she worked as a substitute teacher in the Alexandria school system for many years.

Family was the most important aspect of Joan's life.  She loved nothing more than spending time with her grandchildren.  Joan especially enjoyed staying connected with her friends and school alumni on Facebook and the Panther Den online.  Early in her life, she enjoyed playing golf, and later in life she was an avid fan of the Indianapolis Colts, Indianapolis Pacers, and the Indianapolis 500.  Crocheting was one of her passions, and she will be remembered for crocheting beautiful afghans for family and friends.  Joan will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Joan's family includes 4 children, Timothy J. Cotner of West Virginia, Jill (husband Ron) Cotner-Dziubek of Illinois, Andrew K. Miller of Bloomington, and Jessica (husband Michael) Miller-Hart of Bloomington; brother, Thomas (wife Carolyn) Graham of Greenwood; 8 grandchildren, Timothy Cotner, Jr., Patrick Cotner, Katy Cotner, Julia (husband Alejandro) Cotner-Gallegos, Samuel (wife Kassie) Cotner, Mark Hart, Grace Hart, and Madilyn Hart; 3 great-grandchildren, Daniel Cotner, Braelynn Cotner, and Melina Gallegos; niece, Julie Graham; and a nephew, Jeffrey Graham.  Joan was preceded in death by both her parents; son, Steven M. Cotner; and a brother, John Graham, Jr.

A memorial service celebrating Joan's life will be held at 4:00 pm on Friday, July 30, 2021 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Mark Villanova of the Ellettsville First Baptist Church officiating.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm prior to the memorial service at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Women's Cancer Research Foundation through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.