Joan Rufer "Jo" Kealing

Joan Rufer Kealing (Jo)

Indianapolis – Joan Rufer Kealing (Jo), age 90, passed away on August 18, 2021 surrounded by her family. Jo was born in Wichita, Kansas on December 12, 1930 and was the daughter of the late Melvin and Ruth Ferguson Rufer.

Jo was a 1948 graduate of Lyons High School in La Grange, Illinois. She attended Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana where she received a BS degree in Business Administration in 1952 and was a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honorary Society. She was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority and served as president of the house. Jo met her husband John at IU and they were married on September 13, 1952 in Chicago. They enjoyed 54 years of marriage before John’s death in 2007.

Jo will fondly be remembered for her dedication to her children and grandchildren. Family and friends were the center of her life. She was a beloved mother, mother-in-law, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and loyal friend to all. She loved any social event whether it was bridge or happy hour at Newport Bay. She charmed those she would meet with her contagious smile, quick wit, spunky determination and kind heart. Jo never missed out on a good bargain. She loved helping others, whether it was decorating, volunteering, mentoring or just lending an ear. Her legacy will be carried on for generations.

In earlier years, Jo was an active volunteer for The Children’s Bureau and was a member of The First Congregational Church of Indianapolis and Hillcrest Country Club.

Jo was preceded in death by her husband John Kealing, son Thomas Kealing and sister Darlene Heapes. She is survived by her sons Bill (Laurie) and Bob (Kenwyn); grandchildren Kathryn (Justin) Metze, Phil (Katie) Kealing and Allison (Jason) Prouty; great grandchildren Brinley Metze, Jacob and Claire Kealing and Madison Prouty. Her sister Barbara Darkey from Colorado also survives.

The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to the staff at The Barrington in Carmel and Paradigm Hospice for their care. Many thanks to all her dear friends who visited and helped Jo these past few years.

Services will be held privately with arrangements entrusted to Flanner Buchanan – Broad Ripple.

Jo will be laid to rest in Crown Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the IU foundation.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.flannerbuchanan.com.