Joanne Emma Avers, 81, formerly of Clyde, died Friday, July 6, 2018, at the home of her daughter in Carroll, Ohio.

Joanne was born Dec. 6, 1936, in Fremont to Lawrence A. & Velma T (Binger) Ferkel. She graduated from Green Springs High School in 1954 and received her bachelor's degree from Capital University in Columbus. 

On Aug 20, 1955, she married Rev. Robert Paul Avers. They spent 10 years as missionaries in Ethiopia.

Later Joanne taught 10 years in Tiffin. As a pastor's wife, she also served with her husband at churches in Petersburg, Vickery and Bettsville.

Joanne and Bob volunteered 10 years for Habitat for Humanity in Utah, West Virginia, and Ohio. After “retiring” she taught six years at Southeast Christian Academy in Columbus and then home-schooled two of her grandchildren for two years in Illinois. 

Joanne and Bob were married 57 years before he died on Dec. 4, 2012. 

She is survived by her children: Mark R. (Laura) Avers of Colorado; Deborah S. (R. Kevin) Mohr of Bluffton, Ohio; Dianne R. (James) Dannemiller of Carroll, Ohio; and Sharon L. (Robert) Arnold of Uniontown, Pennsylvania; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren; her brother, Richard L. (Cathy) Ferkel of Michigan; her brother-in-law Rev. James W. (Linda) Avers of Fremont, and nephews and nieces.

Visitation is 11:30-1 p.m. Friday, July 13, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 147 W. Forest St, Clyde.  Her funeral service is at 1 p.m. Friday at the church with Rev. Kevin Mohr officiating and son, Mark, giving the sermon and eulogy.  Burial will follow in McPherson Cemetery.  Mitchell-Auxter Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorials may be given to Seneca County Habitat for Humanity, 65 Grace St., Tiffin, OH 44883 or Barnabas International for Mark and Laura Avers in Memory of Joanne Avers, PO Box 708, Elkhorn, WI 53121-0708.