Joan F. Precht Davis

JOAN F. DAVIS, 88, of Fort Wayne, died on Friday, Aug. 26, 2011. "She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother." She was a retired educator and proud U.S. Navy veteran. She took great delight in her family and warmly welcomed newcomers. She loved to cook, dance and play Bridge and had a great smile, wry sense of humor, feisty manner and keen sense of color, style and design. Her friends treasured her loyalty, listening ear and strong convictions. She served in the Navy during World War II and was especially proud of her work to support top-secret code-breaking work. She received a commendation for it from the National Security Agency in 1995, and the documentary "Dayton Codebreakers" highlighted the work of her unit. Born Nov. 27, 1922, in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., she was the daughter of Thelma (Hill) Precht and Henry Precht. She received a B.A. in psychology from the University of Michigan; an M.A. in counseling and guidance from the Indiana University; and a teaching certificate from University of St. Francis. She oversaw curriculum at the Fort Wayne State Hospital from 1966 to 1976. She was married for more than 58 years to Bertrand A. Davis; he survives. Also surviving are daughters, Linda (husband, John) O'Connor of Fairmont, W. Va., and Amy Bartell (fiancée, Margaret DeRitter) of Kalamazoo, Mich.; grandchildren, Kelly Bartell (fiancée, Suzanne Lowell), Stacy Bartell (partner, Zac Thompson), Patrick O'Connor and Michael O'Connor; and brother, Gordon (Pat - deceased) Precht. Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, at First Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne, (where she was a longtime member) with visitation one hour prior. The Rev. Ann Pitman officiating. Visitation also from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at The Towne House, 2209 St. Joe Center Road, Fort Wayne. Burial in Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church. Arrangements by Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home.