L. Joan Henry Kirsch

L. Joan Henry Kirsch, at the age of 90, peacefully passed away in her home on October 19, 2021.  She was born August 17, 1931 in Pavonia, Ohio and was a 1949 graduate of Union High School and Salutatorian of her class.  Joan married Blake Kirsch in 1954 and was married for 65 years. 

Joan is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Lillie Kirsch; daughter-in-law, Angela Ward (Gary); grandchildren, Amanda Kirsch (Leon DeLeon) and Trevor Kirsch; two great-granddaughters, Taelyn and Teagan Kirsch; her sister, Virginia Baumberger; many nieces and nephews; and her two lifelong friends, Clara Pryor and Margaret Ann Marlow.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Mary Henry; her husband and son, Blake and Darrell Kirsch; and her brother and sisters, Sherman Henry, Mary Jane Boebel, Esther Boyce and Frances Henry.

Joan was an avid reader, a gardener, a caretaker of animals, and she was most at home in nature and the out-of-doors.  She was known for being a kind and caring person who thought of others and her community.  She served as a co-caretaker of the Richland Rural Life Center for 50 years and volunteered for innumerable community events at The Richland Rural Life Center.  Throughout her lifetime, she readily volunteered and was very active at her church Pavonia/Olivesburg Methodist in service to others.  Joan was also known for her volunteer work at Carpenter Elementary, reading to children, and helping social service organizations in the community.  She readily helped friends and family who needed care – often going above and beyond to help.   For family and friends who knew her well, she had a keen sense of humor – often surprising people with her wit.  She was quick to see the good in others, slow to find fault, and offered compassion and kindness even if they might not appreciate it or return the favor.  She was “other focused” and demonstrated her quiet and unassuming spirituality in everyday acts of kindness and grace.  Her life was truly well-lived – she possessed a perpetual sense of optimism, a communal spirit, a sense of awe and wonder, an ability to easily laugh and find delight in simple things, a bright and curious mind, practical wisdom, hard work, and an openness to accepting and facing whatever showed up – good or bad. 

Her family will observe a private graveside memorial service and burial at Windsor Park Cemetery.   A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be planned later when public health concerns are less critical. 

Donations may be made to The Humane Society of Richland County, 3025 Park Ave. West, Ontario, OH 44906 or to Harmony House at 124 W. Third St., Mansfield Ohio 44902.

Werner-Gompf Funeral Services, ltd., 1106 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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