Lowell Joan Blackwell

Joan (McClaren) Blackwell, 90, of Centralia, Illinois passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026 at Liberty Village of Centralia in Centralia, Illinois.

Joan was born on October 31, 1935 to Ira and Lola G. (Hutson) Wilkey in Centralia, Illinois.

She never needed an excuse to dress up. An avid high-heel wearer, she believed life was better when you faced it standing tall and looking good doing it. Wednesday nights were sacred. Quarter Bingo wasn't just a game-it was an event. She loved the thrill of it, the laughter around the table, and the friendships that grew stronger with every round called.

She was a proud and faithful fan of the Chicago Cubs, cheering them on through every season with unwavering loyalty. Cards were another story. She loved to play, but she absolutely hated to lose. She was a sore loser by her own admission. Joan wore her competitive spirit on her sleeve and everyone who played with her knew it came from a place of fun and fire. The laughter that followed was always worth it.

She treasured her friendships with Gail, Judy, Kathy, Barb, Carol, Tony and Violet. Each of these friends held a special place in her life story. Together they shared countless memories, conversations, games, and laughter that will live on in their hearts.

More than anything, she will be remembered for her spirit; bold, competitive, stylish, musical, and deeply loving. She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, loyalty, and friendships that will continue to echo long after the last bingo number is called.

She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

She is preceded in death by one son, Mark McClaren of Centralia, IL and six siblings, Bud Wilkey of Centralia, IL, Bob Wilkey of Centralia, IL, Fern Marshall, Thelma Marshall, Duckie Smith, and Kay Brown and Special Niece, Beverly Kirgan.

She is survived by four children, Mitchell (Sandy) McClaren of Hoffman, IL, Brenda (Dale Sanders) Hayes of Centralia, IL, Kimberly (Daniel) McClaren-Hastings of St. Louis, MO, and Steve (Kim) McClaren of Centralia, IL; Eleven grandchildren, Jason (Sherrie) McClaren of Watertown, WI, Steven McClaren of Centralia, IL, Michelle (David) Oaks of Princeton, IL, Eric McClaren of Hoffman, IL, Rebecca (Jason) Corrie of Odin, IL, Selina (Tony) Quillman of Centralia, IL, Joe (Leanne) Hayes of Centralia, IL, Shelly (Jacob) Schnur of Centralia, IL, Joshua Hastings of St. Louis, MO, and Maya Hastings of St. Louis, MO; and her Great grandson, Nathan of, WI, Great grandson Samuel of, WI, Great grandson Jordan of, IL, Great grandson Konnor of, IL, Great grandson Matthew of, IL, Great grandson Brantley of, IL, Great grandson Erik (Linda) of , IL, Great granddaughter Elizabeth (Kyle) soon-to-be Hess, of , IL, Great granddaughter Ashley (Austin) of TN, Granddaughter Katie (Shay), Great grandson Dustin, Great grandson Steven, Great -great grandson Eli of TN, Great-great grandson Ollie of, IL, Great grandson Dylan of, Illinois, Great granddaughter Kaitlyn of, IL, Great grandson Keagan of, IL, Great grandson Jude of, IL, Great -great grandson Jay, Great granddaughter Hayley, Great granddaughters Bethany McClaren, Great granddaughter Briley of, IL.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 14th, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home with Tom & Belinda Rigs officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Orchardville, Illinois.

Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home in Centralia is honored to have been called to serve the family. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.maxtonrosado.com or call 618-532-7321 for more information.