Joan Belknap

Joan Belknap, age 76, of New Philadelphia, died Wednesday, December 16, 2009, in her home with her family by her side following a period of declining health.A daughter of the late William and Stella (Barnes) Benedum, Joan was born on March 21, 1933, at Midvale, Ohio.Following graduation from Midvale High School, Joan married Robert C. Belknap on July 23, 1952 and together the couple would rear a family that includes ten children.Joan loved caring for her family and spending time with all of them as she supported their many endeavors as a room mother and sports booster. For more than thirty years her support was prevalent as she worked the concession stands during sporting activities for the Indian Valley Schools. At home, she was best known for her cooking that included a large variety of baked goods and other treats but will long be remembered for her talent at making homemade waffles.For years, Joan enjoyed buying Avon products. She would not buy them for herself, but as gifts to her family and friends. She also enjoyed monthly breakfast gatherings with her high school classmates and looked forward to sharing the past months events during that time.Additionally, as her family left home and spread out throughout the United States, she and Bob spent a great deal of time traveling and visiting with her children and their families. Quite often, these trips would encompass several states at a time and would span over a month at a time.Moreover, Joan was remembered by her family as a compassionate and loving person who never met a stranger and enjoyed engaging in conversation with new acquaintances.In addition to her husband, Joan will be lovingly missed by her ten children, Melody (Chris) Steinebach of Indiana, Carla (John) Cannon of Tuscarawas, Mitch (Sharon) Belknap of Roswell, Jerry Belknap of Pennsylvania, Yvonne Beitzel of California, Crystal (Pete) Schandel of Gnadenhutten, Roxanne (Marc) Lautenschleger of Dover, Brian (Paula) Belknap of Wyoming, Brock (Kim) Belknap of Missouri, and Brett (Jamie) Belknap of New Philadelphia; a brother, Jerry Benedum of Virginia; two sisters-in-law, Judy Poorman of Roswell and Ruthann Belknap of Brightwood; and a brother and sister-in-law Ray & Cathy Belknap also of Roswell.Twenty-four grandchildren, Stephanie (John) Heavilin, David (Vikki) Cannon, Cory Beitzel, Tommy (Rachel) Cannon, Angie Belknap, Stacie (Craig) Heisinger, Justin Berkshire, Tina Keetley, Andrew and Tanner Lautenschleger, Shane and Kyle Steinebach, Charly, Brian, Tia, Bobby, Kaeden, and Abby Belknap, Kayla Belknap, Shelbi and Macey Zimmerschied, Payton, Ben, and C.J. Belknap and Dakota Schandel; twelve great-grandchildren, Allison and Brandon Cannon, Nathen Swanger, Cooper, Talyn, and T.C. Cannon, Travis and Haylee Heavilin, Lillian Beitzel, Rowan and Linden Heisinger, and Kara Keetley as well as a number of nieces and nephews complete the family.In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by a sister, Patty Jean Maxwell.The family will receive friends on Friday, December 18, 2009, from 4:00 â?? 7:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. The Reverend Doctor Steven Bailey will lead a service celebrating Joan’s life in the funeral home’s chapel on Saturday, December 19, 2009, at 11:00 AM. Burial in the Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia will follow.In deep gratitude and appreciation for their exemplary care, the family requests that memorial contributions in Joan’s memory be directed to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. Third Street, Dover, Ohio 44622.