Joan R. Sheaf

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Joan Rieke Sheaf on January 14, 2025, at 91 years of age. Joan was born on October 10, 1933, to Max and Elsie Rieke in St. Angus, Iowa. She was feisty, courageous, and determined throughout her life. 

Joan is survived by her brother, David Rieke (Sandy); Daughters, Laurie Dunnavant & Jennifer Latham; Son-in-law, Michael Downie; Grandchildren: Max Latham (Maria), Paul Latham (Emily), Leah Andrews, Anah Panovsky (Johnny); Great Grandchildren: Cobie, Calla, Abram, Ellie, John, Wesley, Franco, Sofia, and 2 more babes on the way. 

She was preceded in death by her husband James L. Sheaf, and her brothers Richard Rieke and Donald Rieke.

Joan graduated from Worthington High School. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene from The Ohio State University. She was a proud member of Delta Gamma Fraternity. 

Even though she had the degree, Joan was not really meant to be a Dental Hygienist. She switched gears and had the energy and drive to become a successful real estate agent, and then an amazing representative selling advertising specialty products. She built remarkable friendships with her clients and truly enjoyed working with them to bring their advertising goals to life. Joan taught herself to use a computer when PC’s first came out. She could create art on the computer for her clients and made sure that every product she sold was creative and unique.

Laurie & Jenni had an engaged and energetic Mom & Dad. Joan and Jim taught their daughters to water ski while they were still in Elementary School. The family thoroughly enjoyed their cabin near Lake Cumberland, Kentucky. Friends and family gathered there every summer and so many happy memories were made.

Joan was a fun Grandma and spent a lot of time with her grandchildren. Her claim to fame was taking them on “alone-trips” for their birthdays. Each grandchild got to choose where they’d go with Grandma and she’d devote a day to making their wishes come true. One grandson loved cars, so they went to all the car dealers so he could see the fancy cars first-hand. Another time, she spent 12 hours at the mall with one of her granddaughters.

Joan was a remarkable woman and she will be greatly missed.

There will be no funeral services. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Lung Association (www.lung.org), or another charity of your choice.