Joan Ruth Freeze

June 1, 1938 – October 20, 2025

Joan Ruth Freeze, age 87, of Palmetto, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025. Born on June 1, 1938, in Lansing, Michigan to Carl and Roselind (Moran) Bowen.

Joan grew up on a farm in Williamston and started caring for cats, dogs and horses at an early age. She graduated from Williamston High School and attended Michigan State University for two years. Her family then relocated to Florida for her father’s health. Joan loved Palmetto and quickly adapted to southern living. Joan was always full of energy and was good with numbers and details which helped her be successful in her positions at the local bank and at the railroad.

Joan had many hobbies including sewing garments for friends and family. She also loved to make dolls which won her ribbons and awards at county fairs. Her love of animals had her volunteering at the Guide Dog School and having several of her own pets. In addition to her house pets, she also supported numerous feral cats. She never met a pet she didn’t love and wanted to take care of.

Joan married Gerard F. Freeze on August 10, 1959. Jerry and Joan loved to ride their motorcycles all over the state and took some cross-country trips with their motorcycle club. Jerry shared Joan’s love of animals, so their house was always full of their furry children. Jerry and Joan were planning for his retirement when he passed away unexpectedly in July of 1989.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Larry and her husband Gerard. After her immediate family members were gone Joan’s friends became her second family. She also focused her attention on her hobbies of gardening, sewing, and caring for her pets. Her warmth and generosity touched the lives of many, and her memory will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.

Though no public services are scheduled at this time, her family invites friends and loved ones to share memories, stories, and condolences in her honor. Joan is remembered with love and gratitude by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she enriched.