Joan Evelyn Needles

Joan Evelyn Needles, age 78, died December 19, 2023. Born Joan Shuster on January 16, 1945 in Delaware, OH; she was a graduate of Delaware Hayes High School and Ohio State University. This is her husband, Richard, writing this obituary – as she knew I would. We were together for 49 years, starting when I asked the shy, beautiful young social worker to be my Valentine in February 1974. Joan was 29; I was 20. Convincing her to say yes remains my best sales job ever. Our first “date” was in her small, dark, furnished studio apartment. We sat on her uncomfortable vinyl chairs -- she told me that the apartment was decorated in the style of early American dentist office. We ate the Valentine’s candy I had given her and watched her 12-inch portable black and white TV. Joan did not own the furniture or much else in the apartment. Clearly, she was hesitant to commit to long term relationships. However, by the end of the evening, Joan agreed to go to a movie the next weekend. Then, 49 years flew by in a heartbeat. We married in July, 1977; never had human children, but have been mommy and daddy to rescue cats. Joan retired in 1997 after 28 years as a social worker at the Franklin County Department of Human Services. I continue to work, but we carved out time for many travels and adventures. We saw beaches in Hawaii, castles in Europe, glaciers in Alaska, Buchart Gardens in Victoria, sunsets at Mount Rushmore & Fusterlandia in Cuba. We visited many states, once crossing the country on a train. We smelled the flowers at the Rose Parade and cruised through the Panama Canal. We visited New York City several times; saw Broadway premieres and the Macy’s Parade. During a city tour in 1995, Joan climbed the observation floor stairs to see the view from the roof of the World Trade Center. Florida became our favorite vacation spot. I remember our first trip to Florida when Joan was 34 years old. We stopped at a rest stop and Joan leaped out of the car. She touched a palm tree, turned to me and said, “they really do exist.” I could take the girl out of the small town, but Joan kept her sense of wonder for a lifetime. Later in life, she became a skilled painter of rocks. Her creations became prized gifts. I will miss our big adventures, but mostly I will miss the quiet moments with this amazing woman. Joan is survived by nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. And me – the man who is so glad she agreed to be my Valentine almost 50 years ago. A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at Schoedinger Worthington; 6699 North High Street, Worthington Ohio 43085 on Saturday, January 13. Social visitation at 10:00 a.m. followed by memory sharing from family and friends. Casual dress and no flowers please – our 2 cats love to eat flowers. To honor Joan, simply hug a loved one and enjoy a quiet moment. This would bring a smile to the shy, beautiful love of my life. For those who cannot attend, the celebration will be simulcast recorded for later viewing.

Here is the link to watch Joans Video Tribute: https://youtu.be/8JT4qDMmkVw?feature=shared