Joanne (Hiatt) Wade

Joanne (Hiatt) Wade, 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 30, 2025, surrounded by love and held in the memories of the many people she touched throughout her life.

Born on November 29, 1938, in Indianapolis, she was the daughter of William E. Hiatt, Sr. and Mary Hiatt. She grew up on the south side, graduated from Southport High School in 1956, and never lost her connection to the community she loved. She stayed active with her classmates for decades and helped co-found the school's first women's club, KIPS of Southport-something she remained proud of throughout her life.

Joanne built a long and steady career at Inland Container Corporation, where she worked for more than 30 years. She was also a member of the American Business Women's Association (ABWA).

Outside of work, she poured her time and energy into helping others. Whether volunteering with Ronald McDonald House Charities and tutoring with Oasis, or supporting the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Indianapolis Art Museum (Newfields), she always found purpose in service.

Her faith was central to her life. She was a devoted member of Center Church Indy (formerly Center United Methodist Church) beginning in 1948 and remained active in Church Women United.

Family meant everything to her. Joanne is survived by her step-sisters, Kay (Pete) Watson of Zionsville, IN, and Nancy (Karl) Schilling of Franklin, IN; her children-Mike Wade of Indianapolis; Matt Wade of Hernando, MS; Keith (Tammy) Wade of Greencastle, IN; Gary (Nancy) Wade of Putnamville, IN; and Susan (Brett) Alkire of White Bluff, TN-as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought her joy.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William E. Hiatt, Sr. and Mary Hiatt; her step-mother, Evelyn Hiatt; and her brother and sister-in-law, William E. Hiatt, Jr. and Karen Hiatt.

Visitation will be held Thursday, December 4, from 10-11 a.m. for family and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for friends at G.H. Herrmann Greenwood Funeral Home, followed by the funeral service held at 1 p.m.. She will be laid to rest in a private graveside burial at Mt. Pleasant Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana at https://www.rmhccin.org/

Please share your memories, condolences and photographs with the family at www.ghherrmann.com.