Joan Ruth Graham

Joan (pronounced JoAnn) was born in 1932, and passed on to Heaven on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Elmer Eugene “Gene” or “Remle” Graham, her parents, Clarence and Alma Heidenreich, and her brother Richard and sister Dolores. She is survived by her 5 sons, Scott (Mary), Jeff, (Sue), Douglas (Linda), Matthew (Bridget), and Bruce (Kim). She is survived by 14 grandchildren: Chris (Qiana), Stephen (Kelly), Julie (Brian) Smigel, Jon (Jenn), Jim (Courtney), Jeffrey, Sarah, Joel (Ellen), Ben (Jaclyn), Lucas (Nour), Seth (Brooke), Matthew, Jr (Chelsea), Blake and Elizabeth. She is also survived by 23 great-grandchildren: Canon, Myra, Linnea, Winnifred, Aaron, Owen, Hailey, Dylan, Avery, Rooney, Finley, Juni, Ezra, Alice, Julia, Zoe, Maria, Preston, Eva, Zeke, Chloe, Ella, and Alana.

Joan was born in a farmhouse in Worth, Iowa. She grew up in Manly, Iowa, where she became a top-notch student and a wonderful organ player for Sacred Heart Church in Manly. As a child, she was known as “Grandpa’s Girl” for her love of Grandpa Heidenreich.

She met Remle near Manly and they were engaged on her birthday in 1952. Before they married, she worked as a private secretary to the General Manager at the Iowa Mutual Insurance Company in Mason City, Iowa. Remle and Joan were married in September 1953, and moved to Dayton, Ohio for Remle’s job at Dayton Power and Light, and began building their family the following year. Joan stayed at home to raise a houseful of boys. She spoiled all of us boys - cleaning our clothes, making our beds, preparing all of our meals, and working with us on our homework in the evenings. She came to all of our sports events, and was often the most expressive and supportive parent on the sideline. Joan was a wonderful “crafter”, getting together with neighbors regularly to make wonderful creations. She would make dolls for the St. Helen Festival every year to sell at the Doll Booth. She was very active in the St. Helen Altar Society.

Remembrances from our home life: Joan’s Christmas cookies every year were delicious and works of art. She and Remle were great card players, experts at both Bridge and Pinochle. Friday night was always “Date Night” for Joan and Remle. They usually shared a big bowl of popcorn on the couch in front of the television, or a pizza from Joe’s Pizzeria.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 19, 11:00 a.m. at St. Helen Catholic Church, 605 Granville Place, Dayton. Ohio, 45431. Interment in Calvary Cemetery will follow the Mass. The family will receive friends on the evening before, May 18, from 5:00 p.m. on 8:00 p.m., at Tobias Funeral Home – Beavercreek Chapel, 3970 Dayton-Xenia Rd. at Grange Hall Rd. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in the name of Joan R. Graham to Carroll High School, 4524 Linden Ave., Dayton, Ohio, 45432.