Joan T. Stanford

A funeral service, to celebrate the life of Joan T. Stanford, 82 of Newark, will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 10:30 AM at the Criss-Schoedinger Funeral Home, with Pastor Tom Myers officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Joan was born in Oil City, PA on May 5, 1929 to the late Edward James and Genevieve (Rehr) Collins. She passed away at her residence on Saturday evening while surrounded by her loving family and her faithful dog, Huey.

Prior to retirement, she worked for Continental Can Company for over 20 years. She also worked for the Battered Womens’ Shelter, Spencer Halfway House, and the Licking County Alcoholism Prevention Program, retiring in 2004. She was Catholic by faith.

Joan sang and danced during the time of Vaudeville where she performed live on stage. She also sang on “live” radio, when live radio broadcasts were “prime time.” She was a member of Dance Masters of America; an accomplished dancer of the Fred Astaire School of Dance in Pittsburgh; member of the U.S.O., where she entertained soldiers and sailors; contributed to the musical productions at Heath High School; and consulted with the Lions Club during their annual Miss Heath and Junior Miss Pageants.

She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Bobbi and Roger Stollard, with whom she made her home; son and daughter-in-law, James E. and Joel Stanford of Heath; grandchildren, Drew (Brian) Grigsby, Jake Stollard, Andi Stollard, Trent Stanford, Tyler Stanford, Trey Stanford, Tiara Stanford; two great grandsons, Gavin Grigsby and Giovanni Grigsby; special friend, Mary Sue Riggleman; the girls of the breakfast club; daughters of the heart, Karen and Debbie; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Herbert J. Stanford in 2004; one son, Grant Edward; brothers and sisters, Lois Hicks, Mary A. Palmer, Eddie Collins Jr., and Merdeen Collins; nieces and nephews, Dorrie Weaver, Sally Proper, Tom Hicks and Bob Hicks.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Joan to Hospice of Central Ohio. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Friends may call at the funeral home, 179 Granville Street on Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Visit www.CrissSchoedinger.com to share a memory about Joan or to sign an online guest book.

Joan’s family would like to thank the nurses, aids and support staff of Hospice of Central Ohio for all of the love, care, and compassion shown to her during her time of illness.