Joan Lee (Putnam) Wrather

  Joan Lee Wrather, age 70, of Ovid, MI, passed away Friday, November 18, 2022, at her home with her family by her side.

     A cremation has taken place and a private family graveside service will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery, Ovid, MI. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

     Joan and her twin sister Jean were born in Lapeer, Michigan on May 31, 1952, the daughter of Minor and Erna Jean (Clark) Putnam. She graduated from Gerrish-Higgins High School with the class of 1970.  On February 19, 1972, Joan married Barney Conley Wrather at the Congregational Church in Roscommon, MI. They were blessed with 20 years of marriage prior to his passing on December 8, 1992.

     In her early years, Joan was an LPN at various hospitals and nursing homes. When her children were born, she devoted her life to taking care of them. She served as an aide at the kids schools. Joan was a talented lady. She made Halloween costumes for her children. She did a lot of crocheting. She also was a good baker, making candy and cookies for her family. She cherished her time with her family, especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

     She is survived by three children: Matthew (Sheila) Wrather of Lansing, MI; Jennifer (Scott) Cruce of Ovid, MI; and Amy (Jeremy) Case of Owosso, MI; eight grandchildren: Aren K, Mallorie, Matthew, Keleigh, Elizabeth, Gabriel, and Jeremiah, Elijah; and nine great-grandchildren: Samaira, Alyana, Wesley, DaeVion, Elijah, Nasir, Ariella, Stanley, and Leia.  Joan was preceded in death by her parents; husband Barney, and her twin sister Jean Putnam.

     Memorials may be made to the MS Association. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, Michigan.