Joan A. Bever

Age 91, of Wilmington, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, January 6, 2025, at Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet, Illinois.

Born March 29, 1933, Joan was the daughter of Mitchell and Loretta Hanko. On December 15, 1951, she married Orval “Jay” Bever in the Ritchey Methodist Church in Ritchie, Illinois. Joan began her career working at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant and at the Soldiers Widows Home in Wilmington dedicating herself to the family home. In her later years, she found fulfillment volunteering at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, where she contributed 15 years of service.

Joan was an avid quilter and an active member of local quilting guilds. She enjoyed participating in programs and trips organized by the Coal City Public Library, and in her free time, Joan found joy in gardening—both vegetables and flowers—birdwatching and reading. She also cherished the time spent working alongside her late husband in his stained-glass hobby. A proud cancer survivor, Joan's resilience and strength were an inspiration to all who knew her.

Joan will be remembered for her warm spirit, dedication to her community, and the love she shared with her family and friends.

Survivors include her loving daughter, Melaine (David) Nelson of Diamond, Illinois, and cherished friends: Lorraine Ruffatti of Coal City and Bill and Mary Ann Lutke of New Mexico.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block north of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. There will then be a procession to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, where a committal service will be held, and Joan will be laid to rest with her late husband, Jay.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Joan’s memory to Lightways Hospice, the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad or Wilmington Fireman’s Benefit Association.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Joan’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Coal City. (815-634-2125)