Zehms, Joan Lee Koucky

On March 23, 2013 Joan Lee Koucky Zehms' earthly life ended, allowing her to enter the quiet place of eternal life with Christ Jesus. Her death leaves a gaping void for her survivors: her husband of 54 years, Rowe C. Zehms Jr.; children, Margaret Stephen, Mary Z. Smith, Linda Hanover and John D. Zehms; her eight grandchildren, Anne Miller, Dustin Enos, Michelle Church, Penny Hanover, Isaac Zehms, Donavan Smith, Emma Zehms and Carlee Smith; and two great-grandchildren, Ethan Orton and Reign Miller.

As a child, Joan dreamed of a life centered on her husband and children. With the help, support, and vision of Rowe, Joan used her extraordinary management skills and selfless love to make the dream more than a reality. Together they crafted a dynamic family life. She is remembered for her love of the outdoors and beautiful garden. As a parent volunteer, Joan worked where she was needed: reader at her children's school, timer at swim meets, booster for high school drama, and most notably a Girl Scout leader. Her years as a Girl Scout leader enriched the lives of many in our community.

The last several years of Joan's life has been marked by illness. During those years she has modeled for us that which are her greatest attributes, the quiet, steadfast strength and bravery that has gotten her through her 77 years of life. It is that strength that enables her family to embrace life, to carry on, without.

Services: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Grace Episcopal Church. Entombment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday.

A memorial fund has been established in Joan's name.

Please leave a message or tribute to the Zehms family on the Web page, www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.

Published March 24, 2013 in The Gazette