Joanne R McKeefer

Joanne R. McKeefer, 94, passed away on August 30, 2021 at home, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on July 14, 1927 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was a bit of a surprise as no one knew her mom was expecting twins. Joanne was a very generous person and gave greatly of herself to her family and friends. She loved her family deeply, especially her twin sister Suzanne and older sister Doris, who must be singing up a storm of old folk tunes and enjoying a heavenly reunion! Joanne graduated from North Side High School where she was very involved in sports and the Girls Athletic Association. She enjoyed coaching a girls softball team at Fort Wayne Newspapers, which is where she spent most of her career in the accounting department processing payroll.  She also was an avid golfer, bowler, tennis and softball player.  Joanne was even recruited to play for the Fort Wayne Daisies but didn’t get the opportunity to play.  Joanne imparted her love of sports to her nieces Diane and Lynne and spent many hours teaching them to enjoy all the sports that she loved.  Joanne was a member of Forest Park United Methodist Church.  She is survived by nieces Diane Barton, Lynne (Michael) Westerman, great niece Kyla Westerman and great nephew Jason (Amber) Westerman.  Also surviving are five great-great nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents Ralph E. and Viola E. (Lantz) McKeefer, sisters Doris (Elmer) Barton and Suzanne McKeefer. Funeral Service will be held at 2 pm Friday, September 3, 2021 at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne with calling one hour prior.  The Rev. Forrest Van Gundy officiating. Burial in Lindenwood cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. To sign the online guest book, go to www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com