Joan C. Jones (Née Galt) passed away peacefully Monday, September 19th, 2022 at her residence in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at the age of 87. Joan was born April 4th, 1935, in Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland to parents James Galt and Agnes Campbell Galt. Born before the start of World War II, being the fifth child out of seven, Joan grew up in a tightly knit household, where she learned to heartily fight for her survival and independence. Joan experienced loss at an early age, with the unexpected passing of both her father, Jimmy and her little brother, Baby James in infancy. She was blessed with a loving Step-Father, Robert Adams aka Rab, who worked hard to provide for the entire family. Joan attended St. Ann’s Primary School in Annbank, South Ayrshire, Scotland and leaving thereafter to become a talented Seamstress. Joan’s passions included sewing, fashions, gardening, and cooking. Joan and her older sisters Betty, Mattie, & Mary would often frequent the Red Lion, a local tavern in Prestwick, South Ayrshire, Scotland. It was there that she met her husband, Ralph J. Jones and for whom she made the life-changing decision to relocate to the United States. She was blessed with her first born, Karen S. Gunkel (Née Jones) on Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia in 1961. She was additionally gifted with her second child, Susan M. Brandt (Née Jones) in 1962. Early on the family resided in Georgia, later moving back to Scotland, onto Germany, and finally settling in Fort Wayne, Indiana where she continued to independently raise her girls after the divorce from her husband. A single-mother, Joan strove to provide for her family and was a valued employee and co-worker at Magnavox where she retired from many years later. Joan’s defiant nature enabled her to thrive in adverse conditions. Joan, a descendent from the Campbell of Argyll and MacDonald Clans, enjoyed taking her children and grand-children to the Scottish Highland Games to hear the bagpipes and partake in the lively festivities. She corresponded diligently with her family in Scotland and continued to exchange detailed letters with her dear sister Nan throughout her life in its entirety. Joan was a valued friend and neighbor, her presence was highly-treasured in her neighborhood. Most afternoons, Joan could be found spending it outside, sipping a cup of tea and chatting away with a passerby. Joan often shared stories of her family and friends in Scotland. Joan spoke highly of her late brother Drew and her beloved Niece, Irene McGill. Joan was affectionately called Nana and was very proud of her grand-children and enjoyed sharing their accomplishments. She was blessed with the addition of five great-grand-children, all of whom are hearty young boys. Joan is survived by her sister Agnes Campbell Wilson (Née Galt); her daughter Susan M. Brandt (Née Jones); her grand-children Kelly S. Gunkel, D. Scott (Susanna) Gunkel, Caitlin (Curtis) Mossbarger, Nichole Brandt, Raquel Brandt, & Mackenzie (Derek) Herchenroeder; and her five great-grandchildren. Joan is preceded by her parents, James Galt, Agnes (Robert) Adams; her daughter, Karen S. Gunkel; her siblings and their respective spouses, Andrew (Jean) Galt, Mattie (Angus) Adair, Betty (Jim) Kyle, Mary (Eddie) Wicklund, James Galt II, and John C. Wilson. Joan was strong in her faith and dreamed of returning to Scotland to hear the bells of Tarbolton once more. A private vigil was held by her sister, Nan, on the last night of St. Clare’s Roman Catholic Church in Drongan, Scotland on the evening that her beloved sister, Joan, departed from this earth. Joan was a beacon of light to all who encountered her. She was as sturdy and tall as the lighthouses she so proudly adored. She was strength embodied and a divine force to reckon with. Joan will be dearly missed, and her celestial light will continue to shine on in hearts and lives of those she touched.
A Catholic Mass is being held in honor of Joan C. Jones at The Cathedral Church of St. Margaret in Ayr, Scotland this Sunday, September 25th, 2022. A Private Memorial Service will be held at a later date. FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.