Marjorie “Joanne” Thwaits, 80, Marion, died at 8:21 a.m. on Sunday, July 10, 2016, with her family by her side. She was born in Marion, Indiana, to the late Ora and Marie Oatess. She married Verl Eugene Thwaits on December 12, 1975, and he preceded her in death on March 8, 2014.
Joanne was a graduate of Sweetser High School and Warner College of Beauty Culture. She worked as a receptionist for Playhouse Studio of Dance in Wabash. Joanne was very crafty, and she was often found crocheting and knitting. She loved visiting Shipshewana and shopping. Joanne also enjoyed playing Bingo and getting involved in the activities at Wesleyan Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Survivors include her children, David L. Judy, Dayton, Ohio, David Thwaits, Swayzee, and Debbie (Robert) Thomason, Marion; grandchildren, Teneal (Jeremy) Gardner, Swayzee, James (Tiffany) Loftis, Warren, Brant (Morgan) Brubaker, Marion, Whitney (Michael) French, Lowell, Ashley, Kokomo, Sheri De Rossett, Noblesville, and Robbie Thomason, Jacksonville, Florida; 11 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, Joanne was preceded in death by her siblings, Paul Oatess and Esther Oatess, as well as her cousin and best friend, Ada Herring, known to her children as “Aunt Joey.”
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, 2016, at the funeral home with Pastor Ron Forsythe officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Catholic Church, 1009 Kem Rd., Marion, IN 46952; or American Heart Association, Midwest Affiliate, Attention: Memorial Tribute Processing Center, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.