Joanne Emma (Ferkel) Avers

Joanne Emma Avers, 81, dearly loved by all who knew her, formerly of Clyde, died unexpectedly but peacefully Friday, July 6, 2018 at the home of her daughter in Carroll, Ohio.

Joanne was born December 6, 1936 in Fremont to Lawrence A. & Velma T (Binger) Ferkel.  She graduated from Green Springs High School in 1954 and received her bachelor's degree from Capital University in Columbus. 

On August 20, 1955 she married Reverend Robert Paul Avers. Their marriage was filled with an exceptional love for each other. Always servants of the Lord, Joanne and Bob found their home and friends all around the world.  Together they spent ten years as missionaries in Ethiopia where Mrs. Avers taught young people to be elementary teachers, led sewing classes, sacrificially helped the congregations where her husband was the pastor, and raised her children with her love of Jesus and exuberance of life. When they returned to the States, Joanne taught ten years in Tiffin. As a pastor's wife, she also faithfully served with her husband at churches in Petersburg, Vickery, and Bettsville. Joanne and Bob volunteered ten years for Habitat for Humanity in Utah, West Virginia, and Ohio. After “retiring” she taught six years at Southeast Christian Academy in Columbus and then home-schooled two of her grandchildren for two years in Illinois. They also enjoyed spending time with all their grandchildren even visiting as far as Madagascar. Joanne and Bob had 57 awesome years together before he preceded her in death on December 4, 2012. 

Joanne Avers is survived by her children: Mark R. (Laura) Avers of Colorado; Deborah S. (R. Kevin) Mohr of Bluffton, Ohio; Dianne R. (James) Dannemiller of Carroll, Ohio; and Sharon L. (Robert) Arnold of Uniontown, Pennsylvania; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren; her brother, Richard L. (Cathy) Ferkel of Michigan; her brother-in-law Rev. James W. (Linda) Avers of Fremont, and nephews and nieces.

Joanne found her life journey fantastic and full of joy because of her faith in Jesus. Her family and friends will deeply miss her laughter and tears, vibrant personality, and her unconditional love for each of us.

Visitation will be 11:30-1:00pm Friday, July 13, 2018 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 147 W. Forest St, Clyde.  Her funeral service will be 1:00pm Friday at church with Rev. Kevin Mohr officiating and son Mark giving the sermon and eulogy.  Burial will follow in McPherson Cemetery.  Mitchell-Auxter Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorials may be given to Seneca County Habitat for Humanity, 65 Grace St, Tiffin, OH 44883 or Barnabas International for Mark and Laura Avers in Memory of Joanne Avers, PO Box 708, Elkhorn, WI 53121-0708

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