Shirley "Joan" Gasper

Joan Gasper was born July 12, 1930, in Winchester, Indiana. She was the second of three children born to Verl (Hap) and Mary Anderson. Her parents proceeded her in death, as did her sister Sue and brother Byron.

 Some of Joan’s most treasured memories include the time spent on her grandparents’ farm. She also had an active life as a student being secretary of her senior class, serving on the student council, and playing trombone in the Winchester High School Band. She also had a brief stint as a live model in the Boston Store on the Winchester town square.

 After high school, Joan attended college at Butler University and was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She met her husband Ed, a member of Sigma Chi, on a blind date.

They were married for 53 years before Ed passed away in 2004. Joan was an active mother of 3 sons and 1 daughter. She spent a lot of time driving to and from football, baseball, basketball, and track activities for her 3 sons. She also took on additional responsibilities that included being a team mother, Brownie leader, and helper at the school festivals. Joan still found time to provide fun family activities such as her annual New Year’s party, and authentic Japanese dinners.

During this time Joan managed to go back to college and finish her elementary education degree at Butler University. While teaching 5th grade in Carmel, Indiana, Joan also completed her master’s degree and became one of the first teachers of gifted and talented students in the school system. She touched the lives of many children in Carmel, Indiana, many of whom remembered her and continued to stay in touch.

Retirement was not in Joan’s vocabulary. She just made a “career change”, staying active with the Indiana Rose Society, winning several awards for her unique rose displays, and becoming a Master Gardener. In addition to being a member of the Propyleum, Joan served on their Board of Directors. She also created very extensive family trees of both her and Ed's lineages.

 After a long and fruitful life, Joan passed away on June 15, 2024. She is survived by her children Wayne (Cindy) Gasper, Debbie (Jack) Pehler, Rick (Sue) Gasper, and Alan (Brenda) Gasper, and her grandchildren Matt, Chris, Dan (Ashley), and Sutton.