It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce that Joan Laferty went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at the age of 89. Joan was born on September 20, 1934, in Crestline, to the late Henry and Mabel (Denslow) Simmermacher. On June 28, 1952, Joan would marry her true love, Arthur Laferty, and he would precede her in death on Sept. 8, 2021.
Joan was a devoted Christian, and her and her husband were longtime members of the Calvary Baptist Church, where Joan enjoyed spending her worship time singing in the choir.
In her professional life, Joan worked diligently as an inspector at Caleb Smith Manufacturing until her retirement in 1999. Her commitment to excellence and attention to detail earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues.
Outside of her professional life, Joan found solace in simple pleasures. She had a passion for shopping, with an unparalleled knack for finding the perfect gifts for her loved ones. Joan also enjoyed solving word search puzzles, delighting in the challenge and satisfaction of completing each one. She was an avid sports fan, cheering passionately for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cincinnati Reds, and The Ohio State Buckeyes.
Joan will be remembered as a woman who reveled in the joy of family, her greatest joys came from the blessings of her family, she leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and memories to be cherished.
Joan is survived by her children: Arlene (Thomas) Smith, and Allen (Sherrill) Laferty, both of Crestline; her sisters: Pauline Dowell of Crestline, and Mildred Laferty of Tiro; grandchildren: Jonathan Smith, Jaclyn Smith, Abby Smith, Sarah Laferty, Matthew Laferty, Carissa Smith, Mackenzie Smith, and Logan Smith; and her great-grandchildren: Tyson Smith, Zachary Smith, Josephyne Smith, and Gretchen Smith.
In Joan’s life she had known loss, in addition to her parents and husband, Joan was greeted at the Gates of Heaven by her daughter: Jennifer Smith, and her siblings: Martha Davis, Rosemary Strauch, Edward Simmermacher, and Richard Simmermacher.
Joan Laferty will forever remain in our hearts, a beacon of love, strength, and perseverance. May her soul find eternal peace, and may we find solace in the many cherished memories she leaves behind.
Friends may call on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Mark A. Schneider-Gompf Funeral Home; 223 W. Main St. Crestline. The funeral service will immediately follow with Pastor Diana Seaman officiating. A private family burial will take place at Greenlawn Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Those wishing to share a memory of Joan or send condolences to the Laferty family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
The Mark A. Schneider-Gompf Funeral Home, 223 West Main Street, Crestline is honored to serve the family of Joan Laferty.
Funeral Home: Mark A. Schneider-Gompf Funeral Home
Website: www.masfh.com