PIQUA — Joan E. Francis, 80, of Piqua, previously of Hardin, passed away at 3:55 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016, at the Upper Valley Medical Center in Troy. She was born on Sept. 15, 1936, in Shelby County, Ohio, the daughter of the late John and Gladys (Ritter) Holly. On Feb. 24, 1962, she married Joseph J. Francis, who preceded her in death on April 2, 1990.

Joan is survived by three children, Steven (Shari) Francis of Tennessee, Beverly (James) Myers of Sidney, and Neva (Rick) Hager of Lima; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one sister, Imogene (Jim) Barlow of North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by one son, Joseph Francis Jr.; four brothers, Joseph, Sam, Harold, and Vincent Holly; and four sisters, Mary Lovett, Catherine Gillmor, Helen Omlar and Shirley Smith.

Mrs. Francis attended Sidney High School, class of 1954, and went on to work at United Telephone as a switchboard operator, Schindler Haughter Elevator and retired from UVMC as a switchboard operator.

Joan enjoyed reading and going to garage sales. She was a lover of animals and dearly loved her poodle, Joey. Most of all, Joan enjoyed her grandchildren and making many wonderful memories with them.

Joan was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, where Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31, 2016, with Father Frank Amberger officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery in Piqua. The family will receive friends on Monday, Oct. 31, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Cromes-Edwards Funeral Home, 302 S. Main Ave., Sidney.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made in memory of Joan E. Francis to Hospice of Miami County, 550 Summit Ave. Suite 101, Troy, OH 45373 or S.C.A.R.F., P.O. Box 671, Sidney, OH 45365.

Guestbook condolences and expressions of sympathy may be made to the Francis family at the funeral home's website, www.cromesfh.com.