Joan Ray Critser

Joan Ray Critser, 81, of New Castle, passed away Thursday, on her 81st birthday at Glen Oaks Health Campus following an extended illness. She was born January 25, 1943 in New Castle, a daughter of the late John J. and Bertha (Burden) Ray.

A 1961 graduate of Walter P. Chrysler High School, Joan was Office Manager for Chad’s Novelties, a company she and her husband owned and operated for many years. She served as Secretary for Cerebral Palsy of Henry County for over 30 years, and was an EMT in Brookville from 1980-1984.

She enjoyed boating, sewing, crocheting and knitting. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star #116, the Eagles Auxiliary and Women of the Moose.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of over 59 years, Chad L. Critser of New Castle, whom she married August 29, 1964; a daughter, Rebecca (Scott) Morris of New Palestine; a son, Chad L. Critser Jr. of New Castle; seven grandchildren, Jonathon Ray (Erin) Price, Chad Lee Critser III, Ashlee (Daniel) Miller, Payton (Taylor) Price, Sophia (Samuel) Spence, Precious (Zachary) Cowan, and Evan Morris; six great grandchildren, Sawyer Spence, Brantley Cowan, Kensley Critser, Waylon Spence, Georgia Luther, and Parker Price; a sister, Lois (Dewey) Witham of New Castle; a brother, John (Alice) Ray of Galveston, TX; brother-in-law, Dennis (Henrietta) Roland of Waterbury, VT; several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastor Danny Douglas officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery-West Lawn Addition. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Monday, January 29, 2024 at the funeral home. The Eagles Ladies Auxiliary will conduct a memorial ceremony at 7:30 p.m. followed by a ceremony conducted by the Eastern Star #116 at 7:45 p.m. Memorial contributions may be given to Cerebral Palsy of Henry County, P.O. Box 465, Spiceland, IN 47385. You may share condolences and memories of Joan at www.hinsey-brown.com .