JoAnn Beachy

JoAnn Beachy, age 76, of New Paris, IN, embraced the soft and tender arms of her Lord and Savior on August 18, 2025, while surrounded by family. JoAnn was a beacon of strength and a tremendous source of love to her family and friends.

Born on April 14, 1949, in Goshen, IN, to Melvin and Lovina (Hochstetler) Schwietert, JoAnn grew up on a dairy farm with two brothers and two sisters. She was a 1968 graduate of Clinton Christian School. On the farm, JoAnn learned to work hard and cherish family time together. She held firmly to these values throughout her life, blessing her family and friends both at home and at work.

JoAnn married the love of her life, Neal Beachy, on August 20, 1971, at Griner Church in Middlebury, IN.  Together they enjoyed life on their hog farm in Etna Green, IN, where they lovingly raised their two daughters, and cherished every visit from their two grandchildren who brought them immense joy.

Neal and JoAnn were known for their love of Indiana Hoosiers basketball; and for playing many years of co-ed softball, bowling leagues, and cornhole tournaments. They were quite competitive in these endeavors, but always gracious and fun.

JoAnn made many friends and memories in her 27-year career at Mennonite Mutual Aid (Everence), and in her later years as a driver for local Amish families. She was known for her famous homemade sugar cookies, which she often baked for family and friends on special occasions. She loved spending time in her garden, particularly growing and selling sweet corn.  She also spent many adventurous weekends hunting morel mushrooms with family and friends. Her church family at Maple City Chapel was a great comfort to her. She frequently served her church as a beloved greeter, cheerfully welcoming families to church on Sunday morning.

Above all, JoAnn loved the Lord. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and loyal friend. Her unexpected passing is a profound loss to many whose lives were touched by her unending love and joy of life.

JoAnn is survived by her daughters, Kimberly (Brant) Mishler of New Paris, IN, and Christina (Daniel) Scott of Nappanee, IN; sister Lucille Hodge of New Paris, IN; brother Eugene (Martha) Schwietert of Goshen, IN; granddaughter Elizabeth Scott of Nappanee, IN; grandson Tennyson Scott of Nappanee, IN; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Neal Beachy, sister Rosetta Miller, and brothers Randy Schwietert and Kenneth Schwietert.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m., Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee; and from 9-10 a.m., Monday, August 25th at Maple City Chapel, Goshen. A funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. at Maple City Chapel.  Burial will be at Fairhaven Amish Mennonite Cemetery, Goshen.  Memorial contributions in JoAnn's honor may be given to Christian Aid Ministries where JoAnn's dear cousins Donald and Julia Yoder are currently serving in Ukraine.