JOANNE L. KOHLER (nee Gebhart) age 87, beloved wife of the late Robert E. Kohler and former wife of the late William F. Merritt; loving mother of James P. Merritt (partner Roberta “Bobbie” DeCapua), and the late William Ford Merritt Jr. (wife Constance, deceased) and stepmother of Deborah Williams and Barbara Kohler; devoted grandmother of Valerie Freeman (husband James), Dillon and Dustin Merritt, and great-grandmother of 3; cherished daughter of the late James W. and Adeline (nee Zartman) Gebhart and step-daughter of the late Marion Gebhart; dearest sister of twins Mary Hackett and Margaret Cargo, and Molly Hackett; dear aunt and great-aunt of many.
Joanne was born on February 24, 1930 in Dayton, Ohio and passed away on January 30, 2018 in Mentor. She graduated from Brush High School in 1948, and received a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University. Joanne lived most of her life in South Euclid and Mayfield Village, and was a member of Garfield Methodist Church in Pepper Pike.
A talented artist, Joanne was a signature member of the Ohio Watercolor Society. She was active with the Hillcrest Art Guild and a supporter of the Cleveland Orchestra. Joanne was an avid gardener, walker, and birdwatcher, and led bird walks at North Chagrin Reservation in the Cleveland Metroparks. She enjoyed traveling to Italy, Africa, and Montana, and cheering for the Cleveland Indians. Joanne will be remembered as very social, traditional, down-to-earth, witty, and funny. She was a positive and happy person, and she will be dearly missed.
Contributions may be made in memory of Joanne to the Cleveland Metroparks, the Cleveland Orchestra, or Garfield Methodist Church in Pepper Pike.
Celebration of Life Service MONDAY February 5, 2018 at 11 AM at THE FUNERAL HOME. Cremation following by DeJohn Crematory. Private burial will take place at Knollwood Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Joanne at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) SUNDAY 1-5 PM.
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Michelle Bandy
Love you forever Momma Jo
Marty Clayman
Thoughts and prayers with the family. Her son Ford was my very best friend growing up. And she was a great friend to my mother, Miriam. They talk every morning before school probably a decade. She will be missed.
Debra Price
Jimmy,
My family’s thoughts and prayers are with you and the Merritt-Kohler family. Joni treated me as a family member, and always showed interest and concern for my family. We had many great conversations and good laughs. I will miss her.
Sincerely,
Debra Price and family
Deborah Williams
We’ll all miss you.You were not only my aunt and stepmother,but also a good friend!!! Love,Debbie Williams
deborah williams
You”ll be missed!!Your were my stepmother and aunt,but also a good friend,especially growing up. Love Always,Deborah Williams
Kelly Rowe
Mama Jo, you live on in our hearts! <3 <3
Love You Aways. -Kelly Rowe
Mary Hackett
Sister Jo was a treasure beyond measure.