Mary Joan Vannice

Mary Joan Vannice, 91, passed peacefully to her Heavenly Home Friday, March 24th 2023.

Mrs. Vannice was born on August 31, 1931 to the late P.L. and Alma Elisabeth Crouse in Lafayette, Indiana. Her mother was a strong Christian and made sure the family was centered on their Creator. Joan was baptized, confirmed and married at St. James Lutheran Church in Lafayette. She grew up on the family farm with two brothers, Dan and Tom, and two sisters, Jean and Janet.

Joan was introduced to her husband Adrian by a mutual friend. Adrian also lived on a farm in a nearby county. Their first date was on her 18th birthday, and they married two years later, on December 31st, when Adrian was home on leave from service in the Air Force. For the next four decades they moved about every year and a half, first with the Air Force and then with Adrian’s increasing responsibilities with the Kroger Company. Joan was the foundation and provided the stability for the family as they re-settled often many states away from their last home. Adrian and Joan retired to Sanibel Island in 1996 and spent their summers in Asheville.

Following Adrian’s death in 2012, Joan lived full time at Givens Estates in Asheville. She loved her family and friends and was most proud of her children and grandchildren. Her daughter, Kristal Klehfoth and Kristal’s husband John reside in Indiana. John and Kristal have three children, Mark, Elizabeth and Anne. Her son Jon, and Jon’s wife, Patti live in Mills River. Jon and Patti have one son, A.J. AJ’s fiancée, Caitlin McGee, was also loved by Joan.

Joan was a member of Living Savior Lutheran Church. There will be a memorial service on Friday, March 31st at 4 p.m. at 301 Overlook Road in Arden. Please join us to celebrate Joan’s life and hear the Word that gave her such confidence.