Joan Ruth Earhart, 94, at Grace Village of Winona Lake, IN, passed away on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 7:17am.  She was born April 7, 1926 in South Bend, IN to the late Albert and Clara (Kurtz) Foster. Joan was united in marriage to Robert Wayne Earhart on August 17, 1946 who preceded her in death in 2010.

Joan was a life-long resident of South Bend and worked as a secretary with the South Bend School Corporation, retiring after 28 years in 1991.  She was a 50 year member of the Order of Eastern Star - chapters #2 and #479 and participated in numerous other organizations, including Rainbow Girls, Sigma Phi Gamma, South Bend Elks Club Auxiliary, as well as an assortment of golf leagues. She was recognized as Indiana’s Secretary of the Year in 1986. Joan attended Grace United Methodist Church.

Joan is survived by son, Thomas (Ellen) Earhart of Warsaw, IN and son-in-law, Charles Bushkill of Albuquerque, NM. Her daughter, Judith, preceded her in death. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Matthew (Tessa) Earhart of Fort Wayne, IN, Jonathan Earhart (Danielle) of Vancouver, WA, Lindsay Bushkill of Gastonia, NC, Alison Garcia (Ryan) of Albuquerque, NM and five great-grandchildren, Riley Earhart, Rhett and Heath Earhart, Zoey and Tillman Garcia.

Friends may visit with the family from 9am until 10 am on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Palmer Funeral Home – Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St. South Bend, IN.  Private services will follow and burial will take place at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Joan’s memory may be offered to Grace United Methodist Church. 3012 South Twyckenham Drive, South Bend, Indiana 46614.  Online condolences may be sent to the Earhart family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.