Joann Sites

Joann Sites—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother—was welcomed into heaven May 31, 2018. She accepted Christ as her Savior as a young girl, lived out her faith daily, and finished her race well. Her life was a beautiful testimony of service, humility, and love for others.

Born in 1928, Joann grew up in a Delaware County farming family with her sister, Kathleen, and her brother, Marshall. Her parents were Samuel and Edith Lee. Another sister, Betty June, passed away when Joann was very young.

Always hard working and accomplished in whatever she undertook, Joann graduated from Harrison High School in 1946. Although she worked in various jobs after graduating, from bank teller to office manager, the greatest satisfaction of her working career came from serving as secretary at Mitchell Elementary School for more than 25 years. If you called the school any time from 1964 to 1991, perhaps hers was the voice that greeted you. She thoroughly enjoyed serving the principals, teachers, students, and parents of the Mitchell community.

A longtime member of Bethel Church, Joann participated in Women’s Fellowship Group and supported fellow congregants in a variety of ways, from serving as a Sunday School teacher to ordering and delivering flowers for those who were ill or grieving. She also had a strong interest in politics and served as the Precinct Committeeman for Precinct 49 for several years. An avid sports fan, during the summer months Joann enjoyed keeping track of the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Bench was probably her all-time favorite baseball player. Basketball was also dear to her, and she always looked forward to the start of the college season and IU games in particular.

Perhaps the greatest marker of Joann’s life was her unfailing, steadfast love for family. She married her husband, Marvin, on Christmas Day of 1948. In their 69+ years of marriage, their family grew from three children to include 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Family vacations, camping weekends, church picnics, music performances, gymnastics events, swim meets, golf and volleyball matches, countless birthday celebrations, hosting and planning Christmas Eve services and logging more baby-sitting hours than can be counted—Joann found great blessing in serving and being involved with the family she loved so well. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought special joy to her.

Like the Proverbs 31 woman, Joann looked well to the ways of her household and never ate the bread of idleness. Her husband and children praise her and call her blessed, and they are grateful for her love for God and others. Joann is survived by her husband, Marvin; daughter, Karen Hiatt (husband Kevin); son, Randy Sites (wife Cheri); son, Terry Sites (wife Dawn); 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Pastor Ken Taylor will officiate the funeral services. Calling hours are Sunday, June 3, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Parson Mortuary, 801 W. Adams Street, Muncie. The funeral service is 11 a.m. Monday, June 4, at Parson Mortuary. Friends may also call from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday before the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Church,12110 West Bethel Avenue, Muncie, and The Gideons International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251.

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