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Joan Defenbaugh Obituary
Born: November 24, 1942; Spring Valley
Died: October 4, 2020; Utica
UTICA – Joan M. Defenbaugh, 77, of Utica, passed away on St. Francis Day, Sunday, October 4, 2020 at her home, with her husband and son by her side.
Mass of Christian Burial for Joan will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Utica at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2020. Rev. Michael Driscoll and Msgr. James Swaner will concelebrate. Burial will follow at Valley Memorial Park Cemetery in Spring Valley. Visitation will be held Friday from 10 until 10:45 a.m. at the church in Utica. The Barto Funeral Home in Spring Valley is assisting the family. Everyone attending is asked to please wear a mask and abide by social distance guidelines.
Joan was born on November 24, 1942 in Spring Valley to Stanley and Virginia (Muzzarelli) Ciboroski. She married Russell C. Defenbaugh on April 7, 1994 at Lake Tahoe. She was a special education teacher and consultant at the Ottawa Elementary Schools for 29 years, retiring in 2001. She was a graduate of Illinois State University. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Utica and the National Education Association. Joan loved nature and taking care of animals. She will be remembered as a very compassionate woman and a wonderful mother and wife.
Joan is survived by her husband, Russell of Utica; her son, Jeffrey (Kathie) Domkuski of New Berlin, WI; four stepchildren, Julie Palmer of Peru, Paul Defenbaugh of Rankin, Leslie (Sam) Morris of Pleasant Hill, IA, and Gretchen Mattingly of Ottawa; five grandchildren, Tia Messino of Elgin, Brett and Ruby Morris of South Carolina, Nick Morris of Ohio, and Tristan Morris of Des Moines, IA; three great-grandchildren; her brother, Ronald (Sharon) Ciboroski of Sandwich; and a nephew, Mike Ciboroski, of Cherry.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Mary Virginia Domkuski.
A guestbook may be signed and memories shared at bartofh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan Defenbaugh
Sponsored by Barto Funeral Home - Spring Valley.
5 Entries
October 7, 2020
My cousin Richard Marple, who was a classmate of Joans in DePue, and I give our heartfelt sympathy to her family. She always was a dear and sweet person like just like her Mom and Dad. Kathleen Ellis
Julie Rolando
October 6, 2020
Joan taught me to be a teacher who was kind, understanding, and compassionate. No matter what the situation, she understood and helped us find the best in every student. What a treasure to our school! She was such a wonderful mentor to me as a very young teacher so long ago at Central School. What a difference she has made in the lives of so many children, their families, and the many teachers she so wisely guided through the years. I am one of many who were blessed because of that sweet, sweet lady! Thank you God, for blessing us with Joan!
Dr. Rex Williamson
October 6, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person, trusted friend, and one of the finest educational interventionists I have ever known. Russ— I extend my deepest heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
Chris Williams
October 6, 2020
I worked at OES for 34 years as a teacher and absolutely loved when Joan came in to observe! She was so kind and supportive. I will never forget her. She was one of the good people that one is blessed to meet in our journey through life!
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Barto Funeral Home - Spring Valley120 West Cleveland Street, Spring Valley, IL 61362
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