Joan "Joannie" Christine Tumbleson

Joannie C. Tumbleson, 96, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away early Easter morning surrounded by family. She was born September 11, 1927 in Fort Wayne to the late Frederick V. and Edna C. Engleman, Sr.

She attended the Aboite one-room school house, and graduated from Elmhurst High School; she was proud of her academic honors. Joannie was the year book editor and received ribbons in the rifle club. She went on to attend the Fort Wayne Art School, past member of Fort Wayne Art Guild, and in life continued to be an avid artist and crafter who never tired of learning.

She had a life-long love of horses and was extremely proud of being instrumental in the beginnings of Camp Red Cedar. Joannie was passionate for all living things, plants and animals, both wild and tame, and was well known for picking up strays; she is survived by her horse, 'Berries' and her kitties 'Pricilla' and 'Callie'. Her love of gardening, especially her Spring flowers, was expressed through sharing with others. She was involved in many clubs and organizations until her death, including the Allen County Extension Homemakers, being one of the longest members; the Settlers, Inc., where she especially enjoyed learning about the history of Fort Wayne and deepened her love of plants; as well as the Allen County 4-H Club where she was a leader for many years of the Horse and Pony Club. She loved participating in the Allen County 4-H Fair which she volunteered every year and also received several blue ribbons for her paintings she entered.

Joannie was a Fort Wayne Community School bus driver for over thirty years, and loved and cared for every student.

She was a woman of strong faith and conviction, and longtime member of her church Taylor Chapel Ministries. Joannie enjoyed volunteering for the Cancer Society by driving Cancer patients and for many years, headed the Cancer pad sewing circle at her church.

She is survived by her children, Cheryl Glass, Keith (Sue) Tumbleson, Stanley (Mary) Tumbleson, Connie Coonan and Debbie Ballinger; grandchildren, Tia (George) Ghattas, Tasha (Ryan Schirm) Tumbleson, Tara (Scott) Welch, Stephen (Christina) Tumbleson, and Kevin (Maegan) Tumbleson; great-grandchildren, Ethan and Oliver Welch; Alexis, Elie, Gordan and Nicholas Ghattas; Greysen, Reed and Rowen Schirm; and Owen, Oliver and Emma Tumbleson.

She was preceded in death by her husband of over fifty years, Paul Tumbleson; son, Gordon Tumbleson; brother, Fred Engleman; son-in-law, Dennis Coonan; and grandson, Todd Glass.

Funeral Service is 11 am, Wednesday, April 10 at Taylor Chapel Ministries, 10145 Maysville Rd, Fort Wayne with calling one hour prior. Friends and family will also be received 4 - 7 pm, Tuesday, April 9 at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Maplewood Park, 4017 Maplecrest Rd, Fort Wayne.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to Allen County Fairgrounds, 2726 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46818 or Taylor Chapel Ministries, 10145 Maysville Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46835.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Tumbleson family.