Joan M. Wantz

Joan M. Wantz, 83, of New Castle, passed away Monday, January 23, 2017 at Stonebrooke Rehabilitation Center. She was born April 28, 1933 in New Castle, a daughter of the late Allen and Phoebe (Wagner) Rees.

The youngest of five children, Joan graduated from New Castle High School in 1952 and married right out of high school to Merrill Wantz. She was a life-long member of the First Baptist Church in New Castle. A homemaker most of her life, she enjoyed working at Allen’s Young Fashions (The Kiddie Shop) in New Castle. She also had worked in the cafeteria for New Castle Schools. Joan served as a Foster Grandparent, and held season tickets to the New Castle Trojan basketball games for many years. She was the best mother, mother in law, and grandmother ever.

She leaves to cherish her memory, two sons, Steve (Donna) Wantz of Brownsburg, and Mike (Susie) Wantz of New Castle; six grandchildren, Aliescha (Roger) Claywell of New Castle, Erick (Melissa) Weitzel of New Castle, Sara (Chad) Cook of Lexington, KY, Amy Wantz (fiancé, Kevin Long) of Brownsburg, Bradley Wantz of Indianapolis, and Chris Wantz, a student at Purdue University; four great grandchildren, Hanna Jo Claywell, Sadie Grace Cook, Glory Rees Cook, and Tarin Sean Weitzel. Also, her companion of over 29 years, Jerry Hyden of New Castle; two sisters in law, Virginia Rees of Glasgow, MT, and Betty Losee of Elkhart, IN; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Merrill Wantz; a daughter, Debbie, a granddaughter, Jessica Wantz; a brother, Robert Rees, and three sisters, Betty Smith, Mary Loy, and Janice Miles.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, January 26, 2017 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Funeral Services will be at 11: 00 a.m., Friday, January 27, 2017 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service with Pastor Jerry Ingalls officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the First Baptist Church, 709 S. Memorial Drive, New Castle, IN 47362, or the Jessica Wantz Scholarship Fund, c/o Henry County Community Foundation, 700 S. Memorial Drive, New Castle, IN 47362. You may share a condolence or memory of Joan at www.hinsey-brown.com .