Helen Joann Van Buskirk

Born on May 31, 1938, in Chillicothe, Ohio, to Leonidas B. “Lonnie” and Celia Louis (Erwin) Collins, Joann lived a life devoted to family, faith, and service. On December 27, 1958, she married Ronald Lee Van Buskirk, settling in Circleville, where they built a home filled with love and raised their three children.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband of 29 years, Ronald, and three sisters: Annabella L. (Bill) Sheets, Mary E. (Fred) Whitten, and Vera M. (Jake) DePugh. She is survived by her children, Valerie (Tony Paul) Crist of Circleville, Rhonda (Kevin Thomas) Van Buskirk-Donahue of Columbus, and Ronald Brian Van Buskirk of Circleville; her grandchildren, Dustin Paul Crist of Kingston, Tia Jean (Chase) Hardman of Stoutsville, Nathan Brian (Stephanie) Van Buskirk of Dayton, and Tyler Scott (Gabby Montiel) Van Buskirk of Columbus; three cherished great-grandchildren, Huntley Rhett, Ledger Boone, and Collins Claire Hardman; her sister, Naomi F. (Jim) Adkins, and her brother, James (Wanda) Collins; as well as many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Known affectionately as “Nana,” Joann’s greatest joy was her family, dedicating herself to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A graduate of Chillicothe High School and the Capital School of Beauty Culture in Columbus, she spent her early career as a beautician in the Pickaway County area before transitioning to work as a preschool assistant at Brooks Yates School. A devoted Christian and longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Joann found fulfillment in serving both her faith and community through various church committees.

Just like her mother, Nana had a deep love for birds, flowers, and the changing seasons. She delighted in watching hummingbirds return each spring, caring for her summer garden, and embracing the beauty of autumn’s transition. She will be lovingly remembered for her generosity, especially her homemade gifts—jams and jellies, pickles, applesauce, and Christmas cookies—made with love and shared with those she held dear.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, April 24 at 10:00 am, service at noon at Defenbaugh Wise Schoedinger Funeral Home, 151 E. Main St, Circleville, OH, followed by a burial at The Forest Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to gather for a luncheon after the burial at Trinity Lutheran Church Noecker Hall, 135 East Mound Street, Circleville, OH, to honor Joann’s life.

In remembrance of Joann, expressions of sympathy—including flowers, cards, and honorary donations—are welcome. The family requests that memorial gifts be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Circleville, OH, in her honor.