Joan H. Reighley

Joan “Jo” Way Reighley, (nee Hainstock), 94, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2023.

Jo was born September 1, 1929, in Kalkaska, Michigan. She was the only child of Merl V. and Helen Hainstock (nee Way). She graduated from Kalkaska High School and attended Cleary College in Michigan.

During the summer of 1947, Jo’s relatives introduced her to a WWII Marine who had recently returned home from the war and was visiting Torch Lake, Michigan with friends. She married George H. Reighley of Oberlin the next year at the Sacred Heart Church in Elk Rapids, Michigan on November 27, 1948.

The couple lived in Oberlin for 34 years. They were blessed with six sons. George joined H. W. Reighley and Son after the war and later became the owner of Reighley’s Party Store. Jo managed the busy household full-time and worked part-time in the business as a bookkeeper. In 1983 the couple moved to Tempe, Arizona for retirement. Jo had recently moved back to Ohio to be near family.

Jo was a long-time member of the Sacred Heart Church in Oberlin. She was an active member of both the Oberlin and Elyria Catholic Booster Clubs for many years. In Arizona, she volunteered with Meals on Wheels and then with The Child Crisis Center for nearly 25 years.

Jo’s fondest memories revolved around family and friends. She made lots of friends and loved family and friends get-togethers. She had a special place in her heart for her father. Family summer vacations to visit her mom and dad at Torch Lake were priceless. Jo said she lived a great life, with ups and downs, but overall, God had been good to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 67 years, George H. Reighley, son Michael Reighley, and grandchild Douglas Reighley.

Jo is survived by her sons William (Linda Zbydnowski) of Elyria, Richard (Cindy) of Wellington, James (Twila), of Okemos, Michigan, Thomas (Michele) of Elyria, and John of Phoenix, Arizona as well as her 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on January 20 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary Parish 320 Middle Avenue, Elyria. A private burial service, date TBD, will be held at Westwood Cemetery in Oberlin.

In lieu of flowers consider making a memorial contribution to Jo’s favorite charity Child Crisis Arizona (www.childcrisisaz.org), 817 N. Country Club Drive Mesa, AZ 85201, or to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences can be made to www.cowlingfuneralhomeoh.com

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