Joan M. Hancock, age 75, of Niles, Michigan, passed away Friday, August 14, 2009 of natural causes. Joan was born February 18, 1934 to the late Leroy and Blanche (Gans) Hite in South Bend, Indiana. On October 3, 1953, Joan was married to Mr. Norman L. Hancock Jr. in South Bend, Indiana. Norman preceded her in death, passing away August 5, 2004.
Surviving are her children, Kenneth and Annette Hancock of Mishawaka, Indiana, Robert Hancock of Haltom City, Texas, and Sherri Rhodes of Niles, Michigan. Also surviving are her grandchildren; Ashlee and Heather, Cory and Adam, along with one great grandson Tyler. Surviving as well are her brothers Russell Hite of Niles, James and Helen Hite of Mishawaka, and her sisters Joyce and Gene Okonski of Mishawaka, and Sylvia Knight of Niles, Michigan. Joan was preceded in death by five brothers; Kenny, Tom, Earl, Frank, and Leroy Hite and her sister Mildred Runnells.
Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Monday, August 17, 2009 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola, Indiana. Friends may also call one hour prior to the 2:00 pm funeral service on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at Chapel Hill. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
Joan was employed for many years as a cashier and in the cosmetics department of Hook''s (CVS) Drugs. In her retirement, she enjoyed watching NASCAR racing, especially Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr. Joan also loved her faithful companions; her cats Callie and Nikie. She also loved spending time with and focusing on her children, and grandchildren.
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