Joan R. Evans

Joan Ruth (Newberry) Evans, age 91, passed away on May 4, 2023, at her home in Battle Creek surrounded by her family. Joan was born on February 7, 1932, in Assyria Township to Daniel and Florence Newberry. Joan lived in both Bellevue and Battle Creek over the years. She was first and foremost a loving mother, grandmother, and caregiver for family members and many friends. She worked in retail at S&H Green Stamp Store, K Mart, and Cereal City Office Supply, among others. She had many friends with whom she enjoyed spending time through the years, and she loved to go country dancing. Joan was as loyal as she was loving and as strong as she was kind. Her enduring faith, unwavering kindness, and contagious laugh will always remain in her family’s hearts. To have known her is to forever love her.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Florence Newberry; her husband of 40 years, Forest Richard Evans; sisters Maxine (Russ) Palmer, Ardis (Hugh) Morrison, Jessie (Russell) White, Mildred (Linwood) Angus, Norma (Ray) Witcherman and Elaine Newberry; brothers Maurice (Lucille) Newberry, Rex (Carolyn) Newberry, Junior (Catherine) Newberry; and her beloved son, David Evans.  

Joan leaves behind a large family by whom she was dearly cherished. She is survived by daughter Sue (Alan) Stulberg; sons Barri (Tami) Evans, Thomas Evans, Ronald Evans, and Richard Evans; step-daughter Tonya Roberts; grandchildren, Laura Jean (Benjamin) Garberick, Chelsea Evans, Ean (Jonathan) Fulks, Debra (John) Brothers, Trevor (Laci) Evans, Jeff (Michele) Evans, Samantha Evans, Julie Patten, Tatyanna Patten; and 9 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her so much joy. Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, May 12, 2023, at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Entombment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Oaklawn Hospice. www.henryfuneralhome.org