JoAnn Vance

Jo Ann Vance, 94 of Elkhart passed away Friday, June 7, 2024, at Harmony in Elkhart. JoAnn was born on November 11, 1929, to Clinton and Emma (McCaw) Estes. She married Howard Vance in 1949 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Elkhart, Indiana.  Jo Ann graduated from Elkhart High School in 1949 and worked in Accounts Payable for Miles Laboratories for over 33 years.

One of Jo Ann’s favorite pastimes was traveling with her friends and family. Her adventures included most of North America, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica. Throughout her travels she would collect a commemorative spoon from each destination in remembrance of these special trips. Jo Ann was especially fond of the “beach life” (Florida was her favorite). She spent many winters enjoying the sunshine and balmy weather of Florida.

 Nothing gave JoAnn more pleasure than spending quality time with her family and her core group of friends. Reading, cooking and baking were among many of her favorite hobbies. Jo Ann had a true servant’s heart. She was a pink coat volunteer at Elkhart General Hospital for over 25 years.  She also volunteered at Suzanna’s Kitchen and gave freely of her time and talents at her church, St. David’s Episcopal, where she was a founding member. Jo Ann and Howard spent their retirement years on Coverdale lake in Union, MI enjoying the peaceful, natural beauty while living the "lake life". Many holiday and summer gatherings were held at the lake where family and friend created many great memories.

Jo Ann is survived by daughters Debra (Robert) Wilfert of Elkhart, IN and Nancy (Peter) Hussey of Blairsville, GA.;  grandchildren Sara Heverling, Megan (David) Trautman; great-grandchildren Alexandria, Cadence, Tori, Amanda, Daniel, and Luke. JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Vance,  parents Clint Estes and Emma Matchett, brother Richard Estes, and sister, Joyce Marks.

A visitation will take place on Friday July 12, 2024, at St. David's Episcopal Church 26824 County Road 4, Elkhart, Indiana 46514 at 3:00 pm with Mass of a Christian Burial at 4:00 pm. A Reception will follow at Antonio's Restaurant 1105 Goshen Avenue, Elkhart, Indiana 46516. Memorial donations may be made to Heartland Hospice 230 W. Catalpa Drive D, Mishawaka, Indiana, 46545. www.heartlandhospice.com. Condolences may be made at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com