Joe Ann Johns

Alice “Joe Ann” Johns, 100, died peacefully late Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Altercare of Bucyrus where she had resided for the past year as her health declined.

She was born January 21, 1925 in Bucyrus to the late Tony Gabriel and Phyllis (Marquis) Gabriel Kunkle. Joe Ann was raised by her maternal grandparents, the late Bert and Alice (King) Marquis and stepmother, Mary (Young) Gabriel. She attended Bucyrus High School and in 1942, she married Franklin Johns Jr. on July 25. Her work history took her from the Bucyrus Red Cross during WW2 to Isaly Dairy, Montgomery Ward, The Timken Co. for 15 years, and finally Watts House of Insurance for 22 years.

Joe Ann will be remembered for her short stature and ceaseless energy. Her life was dedicated to family, church, and helping others, taking an active role in community organizations, including Bucyrus Business and Professional Women, Bucyrus Civil Air Patrol, Bucyrus Little Theatre, Boy Scouts for over 50 years as a leader and adult trainer, Girls Scouts leader, school volunteer, First Presbyterian Church, Good Hope Lutheran Church, and Bucyrus Sesquicentennial and Bratwurst Festivals.

Joe Ann is survived by children, Donna Watts and Dann Johns; grandchildren, Duane (Connie) Watts, Daron (Jenice) Watts, Amy Jarvis, Eric (Jean) Johns, and Danielle (Spencer) King; great grandchildren, Delaney Watts, Jameson Watts, Brente Jarvis, Jamie Rittenhour, Lindsay Johns, Dalon King, and LaMya King; eight great stepgrandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by former husband, Franklin Johns Jr.; son-in-law, Doug Watts; daughter-in-law, Susan Johns; brother, Charles A. Gabriel; and half-sister, Diann Novak.

In the spirit of benevolence, Joe Ann donated her body to the OSU College of Medicine. She will be laid to rest privately in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made payable to First Presbyterian Church or Good Hope Lutheran Church and given through Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus.

Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook of Joe Ann’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.