Service measured not by GOLD,
                           but by the GOLDEN RULE

Service measured not by GOLD,
          but by the GOLDEN RULE

330.262.7771

WOOSTER – Joan L. Houglan passed away Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017 at West View Healthy Living in Wooster, where she had lived for the past three years.
Joan was born April 22, 1929 to Gladys and Stephen Rolph in Wadsworth. She graduated from Rittman High School in 1947. She attended Bowling Green State University and received her B.S.in education from Kent State University in 1964.
She married her high school sweetheart, K. Raymond Lance, who died unexpectedly in 1962.   Widowed at the age of 32 with four small children, Joan resumed her education with the encouragement of long-time, beloved Rittman Schools Superintendent W.H. Hauenstein. Upon graduation, she taught fourth grade in Rittman for several years before continuing her education with a focus on teaching children with learning disabilities. She subsequently taught in the Wadsworth City Schools and Sacred Heart School, and retired from John R. Lea Jr. High in Apple Creek. Joan served as a member and president of the Rittman Exempted Village Board of Education for a number of years, as an elder and deacon at Milton Presbyterian Church in Rittman, and as a Head Start board member. Following retirement, she moved to Sun City Center, FL where she volunteered as a first responder for the Sun City Center EMS. Perhaps her most rewarding volunteer service was the work she did with Youth Environmental Services in Wimauma, FL, under the auspices of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, where she enjoyed great success and satisfaction teaching reading to 15-18 year olds. She was also an avid hiker and enjoyed world travel, especially Elder Hostel biking trips. Most of all, she relished visits from her grandchildren, filling their summers with trips to Disneyworld, Universal Studios, Devil Ray baseball games and the Gulf Coast beaches.
Joan is survived by her children, Peggy (Mike) Schmitz of Wooster, Jonathan (Jane) Lance of Rittman, Laurie (Bruce) Watson of Rittman, James (Beth) Lance of Wadsworth and Todd (Britni) Houglan of Medina; thirteen grandchildren, Aaron Stamper, Amy Stamper Philips, Joie Schmitz, Sarah Lance Welch, Timothy Lance, Stephen Schmitz, Justin Lance, Jonathan Lance, Danielle Lance, Paityn Houglan, Carter Houglan, Maiya Houglan and Camden Houglan; nine great grandchildren, Tristan Philips, Piper Philips, Shane Lance, Evan Schmitz Wartmann, Lydia Welch, Ryan Lance, Blake Lance, Paige Stamper and Joanna Welch; sisters, Julia (David) Hawley of Aurora and Jane (Robert) Tager of New Smyrna Beach, FL; sister-in-law, Sharon Rolph of Balwin, MO, and numerous nieces and nephews who were very special to her.
In addition to her husband, Joan was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Edward Dean Rolph.
A memorial service is planned for a later date.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to West View Healthy Living, Lifecare Hospice of Wooster, Milton Presbyterian Church in Rittman, or the educational institution of the donor’s choice.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
 

Memorial Contributions
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to West View Healthy Living, Lifecare Hospice of Wooster, Milton Presbyterian Church in Rittman, or the educational institution of the donor’s choice.

Service
A memorial service will be held at a later date

Visitation
None Scheduled

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