Joan Jane (Hubartt) Davis, 88, died on Sept. 10, 2017, born May 2, 1929. How we loved that spunky and spirit-filled Joan! She was servant-hearted and always spoke the truth in love. Though only 13 when her mother died, she became the mother of six and loved us with a fierce and beautiful love. Momma knew, "When the car leaves the curb, be in it!", showing up where needed for a lesson in wallpaper hanging or pie crust making, a school performance or as advice-giver for tummy aches, broken bones, or broken hearts. Though born in Ft. Wayne, the lake was her favorite place despite having no affection for the water. Husband Robert Davis built the cottage that became the family home. Saturday mornings were filled with political discussions, coffee, laughter. A bold curiosity and love of God's creation led Joan to harvest wild roadside elderberries for jam, try her hand at bottling (unsuccessfully) homemade root beer and (successfully) apricot brandy, surrounded by her winsome flower gardens. She recorded her joyful spirit of gratitude in years of journals, left behind for us to treasure. Widowed after 31 years of marriage, she returned to Ft. Wayne to continue serving her family, relying on God as her husband and provider. Stylish and beautiful, lover of shoes and bright lipstick, Joan's days were filled with work at Lutheran Hospital, errands for others, time with grandchildren, singing in the church choir, birthday parties, Halls breakfasts, peppermint lattes, bible studies, and tea parties in her flower garden. Thus began the tradition of Sunday dinners, gathering our clan around the table in her cozy home. Everyone and anyone was welcome and there was always enough: shepherd's pie, meatloaf, lavender cookies, float. Family was the priority, and when you're feeding them, you're loving them. Her legacy: "When unsure of what to do, always do the loving thing." Momma died peacefully at the lake surrounded by family. We cried and rejoiced, saying, "Run to Jesus, Momma!" We delight in knowing we will see her again someday. Joan is survived by her sister Ilene Brandt, her son Larry (Kathy) Davis, daughters Claudia Davis, Marcy (Tom) Zeissig, Julie (Steve) VonGunten, Susan (Dean) Polly, and Michele Manges Albertson. 21 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren, her pride and joy, will greatly miss their "Grandma Joan". She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Lillian Hubartt, stepmother Mary Hubartt, sisters Phyllis Glenn, Carol McColluch, and Anita O'Conner, husband Robert Max Davis, and great-grandson Codi McCann. Memorial celebration will be held on Wed., Sept. 20 at 3:30, open house prior at 2:00 at NorthEast Christian Church, 4900 Stellhorn Rd. Memorial donations can be made to Ray of Hope Medical Missions, which brings sick and injured children to the US for surgeries or The Shepherd's House, which provides transitional housing for homeless military veterans.

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