Joan Ronk

Joan Ronk, 96, of Ashland, OH, died Friday, July 29, 2022. She was the mother of Margaret (Donald) Matthews, of Elmira, NY. Joan was born on January 19, 1926, in Bryan, OH, to the late Rev. Earl and Besse (Whitmore) Riddle. As a “preacher’s kid,” she resided in Waterloo, IA and Louisville, OH. She earned a bachelor's degree in music from Ashland College in 1948.  Joan married Dorman L. Ronk on June 24, 1949. She and her husband served two years as home missionaries in Lost Creek, KY, and returned to Ashland in 1961. She was appointed organist at Park Street Brethren Church in 1966 and continued until 2019 (age 93). Joan was employed at Ashland College, now Ashland University from 1970 to 1996 in the dean’s and vice presidents’ offices and concluded as a grant proposal writer in development. Her deep faith radiated joy which exhibited itself in caring and concern for others. She had a gift for words, whether writing, proof-reading, or creating loving name-based acrostics. She had a sharp wit which she shared with a twinkle in her eye. In her final years, she summarized her daily activities to her family as, “I sit and knit, sneak a snack, read a book, and take a nap.” After her husband’s death in 2013, she enjoyed many visits to Elmira, attending Grace Episcopal Church, Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes concerts, Margaret’s school students’ concerts in Horseheads, Arnot Art Museum exhibits, Wisner Market, Clemens Center performances, etc. She was well loved by her Elmira friends. She is survived by her four children: Bruce (Sue Ellen) of Ashland, OH, Nancy (Jeff) Lentz of Crofton, MD, Margaret (Donald) Matthews of Elmira, and Joyce (Philip) Michael of Lanark, IL; 10 grandchildren, including Amelia Matthews and Evelyn (Adam) Locke; 18 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. SERVICES WILL BE HELD AUGUST 20th AT NOON IN THE PARK STREET BRETHREN CHURCH, ASHLAND, OH, WITH THE REV. NATE BEBOUT OFFICIATING. FRIENDS MAY CALL FROM 10:30 TO NOON AT THE CHURCH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 375 West Church Street, Elmira 14901, or Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1021 Dauch Drive, Ashland, OH, 44805. www.bakerfamilyfuneralhome.com