Marilyn Joan ‘Joann’ Adams

Marilyn Joan “Joann” Adams, 84, of Van Wert, died at 12:08 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 2015, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

She was born November 12, 1930, in Van Wert, the daughter of Paul and Wanda (Wiseman) Goodwin, who both preceded her in death. She married Elmer D. Adams, who survives in Van Wert.

Other survivors include three children, Randy (Kim) Adams of Van Wert, Kevin (Candace) Adams of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and Kelly Adams of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; a brother, Gene (Donna) Goodwin of Van Wert; one sister, Louise (Maurice) Perry of Van Wert; five grandchildren, Ollie (Amber) Adams, Brandy (Nicholas) Rammel, Sofia Adams, Matt Rankin and Sydney Adams; and four great-grandchildren, Stephanie and Austin Adams and Jettie and Bingham Rammel.

A brother, Richard Goodwin, also preceded her in death.

Mrs. Adams was a homemaker and a very active member of First Presbyterian Church in Van Wert, having sung in the church choir for many years. Joann was a graduate of Ridge High School and was one of the original committee members to revive the Peony Festival. From 1990 to 2011, she worked on various committees, including advertising, garden tours, information tables, parade entries and fundraisers, but her favorite was the Peony Pageant Committee, where she managed the judges, public relations, advertising, candidate information and secured entertainment for the Queen’s Tea. Even after retiring from the committee, she continued to support the Peony Festival. She loved riding in the parade, of which she was one of the 2015 grand marshals. She was a loving person who was always willing to help and make anyone’s life better.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, July 20, at First Presbyterian Church in Van Wert, with the Rev. Hal Shafer officiating. Burial will be in Taylor Cemetery in rural Van Wert County.

Calling hours are from 9-11 a.m. Monday at the church.

Preferred memorials: First Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements were handled by Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.