Joan Y. Rich, 94, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at Fairhaven.

Joan was born on July 2, 1930 in Richwood, West Virginia to James S. and Lavinia (Johnson) Young.  She was raised in Richwood and graduated from Richwood High School.  Joan later attended and graduated from Berea College in Berea, Kentucky.  On April 10, 1954 Joan married Stuart M. Rich and together they raised three children.  Stuart passed on April 17, 2000.  Joan worked as a desktop publisher for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture.

She enjoyed singing, reading, sewing, and painting.

Joan is survived by her children, Alice Rich (Curt) Schwarz, John Stuart (Julie) Rich, Walter Henry (Lisa) Rich; grandchildren, Emily J. (George Melissanos) Rich, Anna Schwarz (Ryan) Knocke, Allison Jacquelyn Rich, Alexander C. (Lindy Tsai) Schwarz, James Walter Rich; great-grandchildren, Cash Knocke and Peter Melissanos.

She is preceded in death by her husband Stuart and siblings James Shirley, Jr., Ruth Joy Peters, and Ione Rae Gunnarson.

A private family inurnment will take place at a later date.

Donations can be made in Joan’s name to Berea College at www.Berea.edu

The family would like to give special thanks to the nurses and staff at Fairhaven and Rainbow Hospice.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com