Joan F. Hartsock

Joan Frances Hartsock, 84, passed away on September 14, 2023. She was born on November 4, 1938, in Louisville, Kentucky to parents, Charles Epperson and Lula Ilene (Sullivan) Williams.  Joan was an only child until her sister, Candy Jo, was born when Joan was 20 years old.  

Joan lived in Miami, Florida as a child prior to moving to Indiana. She attended Arsenal Technical High School and after graduating, she began working at Eli Lilly and Co., where she worked as a legal secretary. Following the passing of her first husband, James, she was a librarian at Whiteland Jr. High School before returning to Eli Lilly where she was employed until retirement. In her spare time, she also volunteered at Community Hospital North for 10 years. 

In the early years, Joan was involved in the Girl Scouts of America, being both a Brownie Scout and a Girl Scout Leader. Since 1957, she was a lifelong member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was also a faithful member of Saint Lukes United Methodist Church and later to Fishers UMC.   

 Joan was a very independent woman. She was very organized, driven and had a great work ethic. She was a good role model and above all else, a dedicated wife and mother always putting her family first. She showed her love by being ’present’, always a good listener and supporting all of her children’s activities.  

 She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, wintering in Florida, traveling, reading, gardening, shopping, and cross-stitching. In her younger years she enjoyed tennis, boating, camping, and playing cards. Joan’s love of animals spanned from Blackie the rabbit to Midnight the cat, and culminated with canine companions, Brandi the golden retriever and then Molly whom she shared with Norm. 

Joan was very loved and is going to be missed dearly by all that loved her. She was a believer in Christ, and we take peace and comfort knowing that she is now spending eternity in Heaven. In her last days, Joan was surrounded by her closest family members and although she is no longer with us in person ...she will always live through us as we carry on her legacy.  

 Joan is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Norman B. Hartsock; children, Sherri (Greg) Crawford and Steven (Cathy) Colbert; stepdaughters, Jill Hittinger and April Michele Hartsock; grandchildren, Braden and Gabrielle Crawford, Lauren, Carly, and James Connor Colbert; step-grandchildren, Erin and Scott Hittinger; sister, Candy Jo (Greg) Wetzel. 

 She was preceded in death by her first husband, James L. Colbert; and her parents; Ilene and Harlon Williams. 

Visitation for Joan will be from 12-2pm on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Flanner Buchanan – Geist (7855 Cork Road, Indianapolis, IN 46236), with a funeral service immediately following at 2pm. Burial will take place at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions in her name may be made to Moffitt Cancer Center: 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612.