Joan Irene Gingrey

Joan Irene Gingrey, age 91 of Urbana, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, December 11, 2023. Joan was born on October 17, 1932, in Toledo, Ohio, the daughter of the late Lester and Ester (McDowell) Burnham.

Joan was a 1951 graduate of Springfield High School. She was a dedicated volunteer throughout her life. Joan devoted over 10,500 hours to the Mercy Memorial Hospital and the Caring Kitchen as a cook and much more. She was also an active member of BPW, TWIG, Red Hats, Arts Council and worked with the Girl Scouts for over 35 years. Joan was a dedicated member of the Messiah Lutheran Church for over 60 years, being a loyal parishioner and dedicating time to assist in any way she could. Joan enjoyed reading and gardening in her free time. She also spent a lot of time in retail, managing Lawson’s Deli, working at Punch Whitman Shoes and a flooring store. Joan truly had the heart of a servant. She will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and loving her.

Joan is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Cathy and Bill Wahoff and Valerie Watson; son, Charles Gingrey; grandchildren, Torrie (Donna) Thompson, Megan Thompson, Wesley (Christi) Watson, Christopher (Catalina) Wahoff, Nicholas (Theresa) Wahoff, and Eric (Paige) Wahoff; great-grandchildren, Jason, Braden (Cieara), Katelyn, Elijah, Abigail, León, and great-great grandchild, Octavia; sisters, Georgia Stapleton, Gail Hall, and Karen Long, brother, George Long, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, James Gingrey, daughter, Nannette Baker, and sisters; Janice Irving and Vickie Smith. Family and friends will be received on Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1013 East Lawn Ave. with the service beginning at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Ray Branstiter. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Messiah Lutheran Church Fund in Joan’s honor or the Caring Kitchen. Arrangements entrusted to the Walter and Lewis Funeral Home, Urbana. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.walterfunerals.com.