Joan Hayes Marshall

Joan Hayes Marshall, 97, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at Primrose Retirement Community of Findlay. She was born on September 20, 1925 in Findlay to the late Joseph Leland and Coral Louise (Burkhardt) Hayes.

Joan was a graduate of Findlay High School’s Class of 1943. On December 27, 1953, she married John Neff Marshall, who preceded her in death on July 20, 1993. Joan’s brother, Robert W. Hayes, also preceded her in death in 1971.

Joan and John had two sons, and they both survive; David Hugh Marshall of Lake Wales, Florida, and Douglas Hayes Marshall (Kevin O’Connor) of New Canaan, Connecticut. She is also survived by two nephews; Grant Hayes (Jheri) of Alameda, California, and Brad Hayes (Brenda) of Sausalito, California; and a great-nephew, Drake Hayes of Alameda, California.

Joan worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad in Columbus, Ohio for nine years prior to her marriage and spent her vacations traveling all around the United States by rail. Later, she was a housewife and worked part time at Sunbeam Services and also held a real estate sales license.

Joan was a very dedicated and active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Findlay, as was her mother, Coral Hayes. She was a member of Sarah’s Circle and the Character Builders Sunday School Class. Joan also enjoyed knitting with the KnitWits group. She was honored by the Women’s Association in 2012 by being named an Honorary Life Member in recognition of her service to the church. Her son, David, often plays the piano at the monthly Community Dinners held at the church.

She was an active member of Blanchard Valley Hospital Auxiliary - Twig 16, Town and Campus, and several bridge and mahjong clubs. Joan was an avid traveler and had toured many countries around the world, including Australia, Germany, Kenya, New Zealand and Tanzania. Particularly memorable trips were to Alaska and France with her two sons. Early in her adult life, Joan even had a pilot’s license! She especially loved gardening and her flowers and going to see live theater.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, November 14, 2022 at Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home, 500 Lima Avenue, Findlay, Ohio 45840. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church, 2330 South Main Street, Findlay, Ohio 45840, with the Rev. Jessica Commeret officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Joan’s name to the Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County (Ohio) or the First Presbyterian Church of Findlay, Ohio.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.

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