Joan Fern Shouse

With hearts full of love, we celebrate the beautiful life of Joan Fern Shouse (nee: Arthur) who passed July 29, 2026 at the remarkable age of 96. A woman of profound grace, Joan leaves behind an enduring legacy of unconditional love and lifelong learning.

Joan was born on May 13, 1930 in Patoka, Indiana as one of two daughters of the late James Devin Arthur and Margaret Fern Arthur. After graduating from Patoka High School, Joan followed her passion for education by earning her degree from Purdue University in 1953 and going on to get her Masters at Ball State University. As a passionate teacher and dedicated educator, she inspired students for decades at Kokomo Center Schools before enjoying a well deserved retirement in Florida.

Joan lived a full life centered around family. She is reunited in heaven with her husband of 56 years, Noah Shouse. She was blessed with three children Phyllis, Richard, and Gloria; and five

grandsons who she adored (Devin, William, James, Michael, and Charles). She is survived by her loving sister Janet with whom she shared an inseparable lifelong bond.

Outside of the classroom and family gatherings, she enjoyed gardening, attending church, shopping, and was an avid sports fan, especially cheering on her Purdue Boilermaker basketball

and football teams. Joan's warmth, love, caring, and bright smile will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and former students.

A funeral service will take place on August 27, 2026 at 11:00 am at First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 2000 W. Jefferson Street, Kokomo, Indiana. Services will be followed by Entombment at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Share a memory with the family at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com,