Joanne Gruber

of Brownsburg swapped her earthly home of 86 years for a heavenly one on February 6, 2024.  The deed to this heavenly home was sealed when she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior in 1970. She was a well-loved mom, grandma, and great grandma to her family. Joanne was also loved by her circle of friends at Harmony Baptist Church in Avon where she was a member, always looking forward to attending worship services, small groups and of course, pitch-in dinners!

Born September 11, 1937, in southern Indiana, Joanne maintained a life-long love of Brown County. She spent a good deal of time outdoors there, camping for many a summer in her popup camper with her best friend, Jo.

A hard worker, Joanne spent many years as an assembly line worker for Dana Corp. In 2007 a second open-heart surgery, accompanying stroke and an unknown infection forced her to retire.  Being the fighter she was, she overcame all the medical prognoses, regained the use of her right side, returned to living on her own and driving her own car just 8 months later. For the next 15 years, this tough-as-nails lady lived entirely on her own, traveling around the towns of Brownsburg and Avon whenever she felt the urge, and spoiling her constant companion, Sassy, a black miniature poodle.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Naomi Stratton; sisters Irene Jarboe, Betty Dooley; brothers Raymond, James, and Charles Stratton.  Survivors include her children Charles (Jane) Gruber, Carol (Kevin) Gosser, Christina Rigney; grandchildren Charity, Amber, Matthew, Marlon, Jared, 10 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and her sister Ruth Ward.

Public visitation will be held from 11 am to 1 pm Tues. Feb. 13 at Harmony Baptist Church, 5693 Broyles Rd., Avon, IN 46123, with a celebration of life service at 1pm.  Burial will be in Bethesda Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org