Joan Marlene Gettys

Joan was born June 14, 1940 in Belleville, IL to Emil J. and Mildred (Phillips) Kricensky. They preceded her in death.

She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Norm Whinery; nephew, Colin Kricensky; father of her children, Robert Clay Gettys, who was the love of her life and now, they are now together forever. She also is reunited with her beloved pets, Gibson, Taco, Mouser and Sophie who passed before her.

Joan is survived by her children, Jonathan (Jan) Gettys of Belleville, IL, Jennifer Whinery of St. Louis, MO, Julie Anne Gettys of Belleville, IL; grandchildren, Brandon (Lauren) Eichholz of St. Louis, MO, Ryan (Kristine) Eichholz of Swansea, IL, Cameron Whinery of St. Louis, MO, Emily Whinery of St. Louis, MO and Joanalynn Clay Gettys of Belleville, IL; great-grandchildren, Ann Marie, Andrew and Jackson; one brother, Larry (Wendy) Kricensky of Fairview Heights, IL; and nieces and nephews, Kelly (Kerry) Saunders of Swansea, IL, Clay (Michelle) Gettys of Collinsville, IL, Renee McKee of Collinsville, IL, and Cheryl Gettys of Collinsville, IL.

Joan worked as a legal secretary for 35 years with Thompson Coburn in St. Louis, IL, before her retirement in 2018.

In 1966, Joan moved to New Mexico, where she lived for 12 years. She moved back to Illinois, but her heart was always in New Mexico. She was a wild-game hunter and was quick to share she showed up her husband on many occasions. She would often cook with green chiles to embrace the culture of New Mexico and she loved to wear her beautiful turquoise jewelry pieces.

Joan was strong and determined in all she did, but also loving and kind. She lived life to the fullest, cherishing the time with her loving family. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was also a member of the Elks for the past five years.

Memorial donations may be made to the Belleville Humane Society or to the National Wildlife Federation.

A visitation for Joan will be held on Sunday, August 6, 2023 from 2:00 P.M.- 5:00 P.M. at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, IL.

A funeral service will be held Monday, August 7, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at the funeral home. Final interment will be held at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.