Joan Jennings

LIMA -- Joan Elizabeth (Kohler) Jennings, 90, of Lima, Ohio, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on September 24, 2025, at 11:45 p.m. She was born on January 6, 1935, at home on her parents' farm in Wapakoneta, Ohio, to Leo E. and Margaret M. (Schneider) Kohler.

Joan was a 1956 graduate of St. Rita's School of Nursing and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Defiance College in 1978. She worked as a surgical nurse at St. Rita's Hospital until 1969 and then as a school nurse in the Lima Catholic elementary schools, eventually retiring from St. Charles in 1995. As a school nurse, Joan positively touched the lives of thousands of students when sick or injured. She was an active member of the St. Rita's School of Nursing Alumni and enjoyed attending alumni events throughout the years.

On June 29, 1957, she married Robert (Bob) Joseph Jennings. Their relationship began during Bob's time in the Marine Corps through written correspondence, at the urging of his mother, Mayme, who was a patient Joan cared for while volunteering at St. Rita's Hospital during high school. Together, they shared many years of love and adventure. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Joan was the ultimate co-pilot on a 6-week trip across the country during the Summer of Love. Her five children (with another on the way) fondly recall their mother's ability to manage the kids as "mom", nurse, entertainment coordinator, and chef while being in unfamiliar surroundings with patience, grace, and love. After retirement, the adventures continued; Joan especially enjoyed traveling in their RV and spending winters in Florida, where she reconnected with cherished friends from her days at St. Joseph Catholic School in Wapakoneta.

Joan was a bright, strong, intrepid, hard-working, and self-reliant individual. Her faith never dimmed throughout life's trials and tribulations. She had a deep love for time spent with family and friends, maintaining relationships over her lifetime. Joan kept those connections alive by visiting friends and relatives throughout their travels, and through her annual Christmas cookie baking with Bev. Her hobbies included reading, playing cards, and puzzles. Her warmth, generosity, and faith touched everyone she met, and she will be remembered for the joy she brought to the lives of those around her.

Joan is survived by her children: Michael Jennings, Joan (Chris) Sdregas, Raymond (Cheryl) Jennings, William (Pamela Russell) Jennings, James Jennings, and Jean Blubaugh; her grandchildren: Elizabeth (Liz) Sdregas, James Sdregas, Samuel Jennings, Connor Jennings, Caroline Sdregas, Audrey Wilford, Robert (Joe) Jennings, Alexander Blubaugh, Samantha Lashuay, Colton Blubaugh, and Jessica Blubaugh; her great-grandchildren: Theodore (Teddy), Leon, and Calvin; her siblings: Pauline (John) Gerard-Bayer, Raymond (Susie) Kohler, and Robert (LaDonna) Kohler; and her sister-in-law Ruth Kohler.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her parents; her siblings Franklin Kohler and Carl (Carolyn) Kohler; and her in-laws Raymond D. and Mary M. (Dahill) Jennings, Rosemary (Miller) Banks, John (Irene) Jennings, Elizabeth (James) Lee, and Madonna (Arthur) Schmenk.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Primrose Retirement Community and St. Rita's Hospice for the love and compassion shown to Joan.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Lima on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., with entombment to follow at Gethsemani Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Chiles–Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Shawnee Chapel. A Parish Wake Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. following the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Rita's School of Nursing Alumni Association or St. Charles Catholic School.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.