JoAnn M. Balyeat

Obituary for JoAnn Marie (Jackovic) Balyeat
JoAnn Marie (Jackovic) Balyeat, age 91, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026. She was born on May 20, 1934, in Buffalo, Ohio, the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth "Emma" Jackovic.

In her most recent years, JoAnn was a resident of Swiss Village Retirement Community, where she was blessed to be surrounded by many friends and a compassionate, supportive staff.

JoAnn lived a full and vibrant life. In her early years, she loved shopping, building community through her church, and playing cards with friends and family. She enjoyed reading, bird watching, traveling with her husband, and spending time working at Bear Creek Farms. Before that, she was employed at Berne Furniture, where she later retired. One of her favorite places to visit was Asheville, North Carolina-especially Billy Graham's The Cove, which held a special place in her heart.

A devoted sports fan, JoAnn cheered passionately for both Notre Dame and Ohio State football. She also found joy in playing Euchre and bingo, completing word searches and crossword puzzles, watching her favorite game shows, and singing in the choir at Swiss Village. Her warmth, humor, and competitive spirit made her a beloved presence in every room.
In addition to her parents, JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, Duran; her sisters, Beverly and Joyce; and her infant granddaughter, Lindsay Schott.

She is survived by her nine children:

Deborah Kerr-Brenner (Richard) of Mason, OH
Pamela Behrendt of Rockford, MI
Jill Schott (Jack) of North Lawrence, OH
Kim Wharton of Jasper, GA
Linda Page of Berne, IN
Cindy Balyeat of North Canton, OH
Jeff Balyeat (Jackie) of Silverthorne, CO
Richard O'Brien (Roxanne) of Westerville, OH
Timothy O'Brien (Lynn) of Toledo, OH
She also leaves behind 26 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense pride and joy.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 6, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. in the Swiss Village Auditorium. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 p.m. A private burial for the family will follow the service.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Swiss Village and Hospice for their exceptional care, kindness, and support.

Charitable donations in JoAnn's honor may be made to the Swiss Village Samaritan's Endowment Fund, or St. Jude Children's Hospital www.stjude.org.