Joan M. Billings

Joan Margaret Billings, 94, of Findlay, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Birchaven.

She was born in Willard, Ohio, on April 23, 1931, to Wilbur and Irene (Dennis) Cook, who preceded her in death. Joan married Richard Billings at Hope Lutheran Church, Fostoria, Ohio, on June 23, 1979.

Joan was a 1949 graduate of Bellevue High School. She began her working career as an assistant cashier at Ohio Public Service in Bellevue from 1949 to 1952 before dedicating herself to raising her family. She later returned to work in the same role on a part-time basis for Ohio Edison Company from 1961 to 1966. Joan went on to serve as secretary for St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bellevue from 1967 to 1977. After relocating to Fostoria, she was employed as an administrative assistant for Family Services of Fostoria from 1979 until her retirement in 1995.

Joan was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Arcadia. She was actively involved in many areas of church life, including WELCA and Ruth Circle, and served on the Evangelism and Hospitality Committees. She also co-chaired the committee that assembled the 2007 pictorial directory and was a member of the Jet Set.

She loved working on crossword and picture puzzles—often while keeping up with her favorite soap operas. Joan was affectionately known as the “Hallmark Lady” and never missed an important occasion to send a card to family and friends, even in her nineties. She was an avid bowler for many years, participating in several teams and helping organize and run a youth bowling league. Joan also loved music and singing in choirs in high school and church choirs, as well as performing in a trio at various events.

Those left behind to cherish Joan’s memory are her husband, Richard; daughter, Vicki (Jack) Cooper; and son, Tom Schaefer, both of Clyde; step-son, Erik (Myrta) Billings of Sandusky; step-daughter, Kristin (Michael) DeCaro of Lake Elsinore, California; five step-grandchildren, Brett Billings, Ian DeCaro, Koy DeCaro, Sarah Grote, and Brandon Kelderhouse; and five great-grandchildren, Lola, Lucy, Rhys, Madison, and Brayden.

Friends and family may visit from 10 – 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 18974 OH-12, Arcadia, OH 44804. Joan’s funeral service will follow visitation at 11 a.m. at the church with Pastor Jacinda Jones presiding. Interment will be at 3 p.m. in Bellevue City Cemetery. HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd., Findlay, (419-422-1500) is honored to serve Joan’s family.

Memorial contributions in Joan’s name may be made to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 18974 OH-12, Arcadia, OH 44804.