Joan Charlotte (Hayes) Creech

February 17, 1930 - September 28, 2021

Joan Charlotte (Hayes) Creech, 91, passed away on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 while a resident at Primrose in Newburgh. She was born in Evansville, Indiana on February 17, 1930, the fourth of five daughters to Louis and Kathryn (Leisen) Hayes. Her sisters Rita (Daniel) Riordan, Jean (Jack) Freeman, Lois (Ray) Heitzman, and Donna (Donald) Schauman all preceded her in death. After St. Benedict grade school, Joan attended Reitz Memorial High School, graduating in 1948, her artwork gracing her yearbook. Her future husband Fred went to Bosse High School; but he began his romance with Joan at the University of Evansville. Joan took numerous adult education night classes at U. of E. over the course of her adult life, mostly in art. Joan married the love of her life Fred T. Creech, Jr. on November 21, 1949 in St. Benedict Church, enjoying nearly 61 years together until Fred died January 26, 2010. Joan, or Joanie, was the consummate homemaker. Besides raising 11 children, she enjoyed artwork (featured several times in the local newspaper), sewing for her husband, children, and grandchildren, and crafts--especially ceramics. She played cards and games to win…and usually did! Joan enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren in sports, theater, spelling bees, and dance until late in her life. Joan and husband Fred were spirited and skilled dancers, especially Swing…once while they were chaperoning a Memorial dance, onlookers were pleasingly surprised when Joan kicked off her heels to the roaring applause of the high schoolers when the band noticed they could pick up the pace. Joan was an active member of St. Benedict Cathedral and previously, Rolling Hills and Oak Meadow Country Clubs, Central Turners, Nine Hole League, and Friday Night Dance Club. Fred and Joan’s union brought forth (in her words) eleven “reasonably good-looking and reasonably bright” children, in order, Rebecca (Bill) Nimnicht, Fred (Kevin Laws) Creech III, Lizbeth (James Hicks) Creech, Mike (Sue Frohbieter) Creech, Mary (Rex) Crum, Pat (Martha Yoe) Creech, David Creech and Mary Niesyn, John Hayes Creech and Susan Knott, Sarah (Bill) Vieth, Joan (Greg) Fredrich, and Stephen (Chrissy Hall) Creech. Joan was blessed with 31 grandchildren, but mourned the loss of grandson Joseph Creech and 2 (of 28) great grandchildren--McKinley Crum and Delia Abaray. The family wishes to thank Angels Care Home Health, Southern Care Hospice, and the entire Primrose community for their loving attention to “Mom”. There will be no public visitation or funeral services due to Covid. Family members will celebrate her life at Ziemer Funeral Home and St. Benedict Cathedral, Father Godfrey Mullen and Reverend Bernie Etienne presiding. Joan will be buried next to her husband Fred at St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Benedict Cathedral, 1328 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47714, Reitz Memorial High School, 1500 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47714, or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be made online at www.ziemerfuneralhome.com.