Joanne M. LaRue

Joanne M. LaRue, 86, of McComb, passed away at 11 p.m. Sunday, June 19, 2016, at Bridge Hospice Care Center in Findlay.

She was born January 10, 1930, in Spencerville, the daughter of John and Geneva Dunn (later married to C.W. “Wes” Swaim), who both preceded her in death. On February 3, 1951, she married Paul E. LaRue, who died in January 2015.

Survivors include three daughters, Kay of Delaware (Ohio), Karen of Willard, and Paula of Van Wert; a daughter-in-law, Rebecca of Richwood; one granddaughter, Katherene (Rick) LaRue-Martin of Springboro; and a sister-in-law, Phyllis LaRue of Deshler.

A son, Steven, also preceded her in death.

Mrs. LaRue was a 1948 graduate of McComb High School and earned a degree in music education from Bowling Green State University in 1953. She was a member of Delta Zeta sorority. Following graduation, she went to Oklahoma with Paul while he served as an instructor at Fort Sill. It was there she started to give piano lessons, and over the next 63 years, gave lessons to countless piano, organ, and voice students.

Early in her career, she also taught music at Belmore School and in McComb Schools. Joanne was a longtime member and officer of the Findlay Area Music Teachers Association, and, for more than 20 years, chaired the Findlay Area OMTA Ribbon Festival each March. She also served as OMTA Northwest District president.

Joanne was a member of Oakdale United Methodist Church and for many years played the organ there, as well as for many area weddings and funerals. She was also a member of the McComb Progress Club.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 23, at Hartley-Lehtomaa Funeral Home in McComb. Burial will be in McComb Union Cemetery.

Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: Oakdale United Methodist Church or McComb Schools Fine Arts Boosters.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lehtomaafh.com.