Frances "Joan" Hiatt

Frances Joan (Dennis) Hiatt passed away at the age of 90-years-old on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 after bravely facing an extended illness and fully embracing life. Her devoted family was at her side in her last days. Joan was born in Muncie, Indiana on Monday, December 11, 1933. As a younger woman, Joan was a member of Job’s Daughters and a past Worthy Matron within the Indiana Grand Order of the Eastern Star of Parker City. She was a member of the Parker City United Methodist Church and later the College Avenue United Methodist Church. Joan helped establish the first community Kindergarten program. She was employed as a Paraprofessional at Parker City and Monroe Central Elementary Schools for more than twenty years. Joan loved children and even in her last days was eager to have visits from her great-grandchildren, playing with them and engaging in their discoveries and learning. Joan was artistic and enjoyed working with Don on various creative projects. She enjoyed needlepoint, sewing and cooking. Joan was lighthearted and an excellent listener. She enjoyed walking, listening to music and was an avid reader. Joan’s life focused around the love, support and encouragement she provided her family. Joan and Don’s marriage reflected their love and devotion to each other and provided an excellent example to friends and family. She leaves behind her devoted husband of sixty-seven years, Donald Wayne Hiatt (Muncie); their three children and their spouses, Kimberly and Mike Shaffer (Farmland), Todd and Connie Hiatt (Portland), and Anita and Curt Austin (Noblesville). She also leaves behind her seven adored grandchildren, Kent Shaffer, Andrea Stevenson, Ross Hiatt, Jonathan Austin-Wright, Emily Reinhard, and Ben Austin; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Newton and Fern Dennis (McWilliams); her brother and sister-in-law, Don and Carolyn Dennis; and her grandson, Alex Shaffer. A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Elm Ridge Funeral Home, 4600 West Kilgore Avenue, Muncie, Indiana 47304 with Curt Austin officiating. Family and friends may call from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Wednesday at Elm Ridge Funeral Home. A private graveside service with family will be held at Union Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or The Scottish Rite Dyslexia Center of Indiana (chilrensdyslexiacenters.org) in the honor of Joan Hiatt. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at elmridgefuneralhome.com for the family.