Joan Ammerman, 72, of Grundy Center, Iowa, died Sunday, June 24, 2007, at her home, while under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice and her family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be 10:30 A. M., Wednesday, June 27, 2007, at the United Methodist Church in Grundy Center, Iowa, with Pastor Matt Miller and Pastor Gary Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Grundy Center. Visitation will be Tuesday, June 26, 2007, from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., with the family present to greet friends the entire time, at Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home in Grundy Center. Memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice-Grundy Center, or to the family.
Joan was born July 30, 1934, in Newton, Iowa, the daughter of George and Mildred (Mills) Hawley. Joan was raised in Grundy Center and graduated from Grundy Center High School. On October 12, 1956, Joan was united in marriage to Donald W. Ammerman at the United Methodist Church in Grundy Center. Joan and her husband moved to Washburn in 1958 and lived there until 1993.
Joan worked for Waterloo Community Schools as a secretary, retiring in 1991.
In 1993, Joan and Don made Grundy Center their home. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Grundy Center, serving on the women?s steering committee. Joan was also a volunteer for the American Cancer Society-Relay For Life, Cedar Valley Hospice, and Meals on Wheels.
She is survived by her husband Don Ammerman of Grundy Center, Iowa; two sons-Mark Ammerman and his wife Kaye of Allen, Texas; Mike Ammerman and his wife Robyn of Grundy Center, Iowa; one daughter Pam Ratchford and her husband Tim of Elk Run Heights, Iowa; six grandchildren-Tim A. Ratchford, Tiffany Ratchford, Zachary Ratchford, Ashley Heikens, Whitney Ammerman, and Ryan Ammerman; and one great-granddaughter Jamison Joan Heikens.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and an infant daughter.