Joann Ruth Schechter

Joann Ruth Schechter (1930–2024)

Joann Ruth (Miller) Schechter met her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the age of 94, after a long and joyful life filled with service, family, and friendship. Known for her warm and friendly spirit, Joann brightened the lives of those around her with her kindness and unwavering faith.

Joann was born in Oakland, California, in 1930 to Dr. Leland and Jane Miller. Her childhood was one of adventure as her family moved frequently, to Los Angeles at age four, to Cambridge, Ohio, at age eight, and finally to Pittsburgh at age fifteen. At the young age of 18, Joann demonstrated remarkable independence by boarding a train alone to Sterling College in Kansas, where she began her studies in 1948. She graduated in 1952 with a degree in Chemistry, leading to her future roles as a pastor’s wife, mother, and devoted community member.

Joann met the love of her life, the late Rev. Richard Schechter, during her time at Sterling College, and they spent 66 years together through his passing in 2019. The two shared a bond rooted in their faith and their commitment to serving others. Joann and Richard built a beautiful life together, raising their four children: John, Wayne (Susan), Bruce (Hemmie), Melissa (deceased), and Cindy (Doug) Setters. They were grandparents of 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Joann is survived by her four children and their families, as well as her brother Leland Miller. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard, her daughter Melissa, and her brother David Miller.

Joann enjoyed her involvement at many churches over the years most recently at One Community Church, Middletown First Presbyterian, Bethany Methodist and Olivet Presbyterian in Evansville. As occupations, Joann served as a bookkeeper, piano teacher, and of course, a devoted mother. 

She found joy in helping others, whether as a Volunteer at Middletown Hospital or through her work with Habitat for Humanity of Evansville, where she and her husband helped establish a local chapter. Her hobbies—singing in choir and playing handbells, gardening, and enjoying the great hymns—reflected her faith and love of community. She treasured vacations in the mountains, especially the Rockies in Colorado, where she felt close to God’s creation.

Later in life, Joann became a cherished member of the Mount Pleasant Retirement Village community in Monroe, Ohio, where she spent 21 wonderful years. There she continued singing in the choir and formed many friendships with those around her.

Joann’s life will be remembered for her generosity, faith, family, and friends. We will remember her often, particularly when hearing her many favorite hymns like “For the Beauty of the Earth” or one written by her father, “Don’t Forget the Cross.”

Services will be held at One Community Church, 57 West Elm Street, Monroe OH 45050 on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 12:00 noon with a visitation starting at 11:00 am. In honor of one of her primary passions, memorial donations may be made to: Habitat for Humanity of Evansville, 560 E. Diamond Ave., Evansville, IN 47711, or online at https://evansvillehabitat.org/give, and please specify “In Memorial of Joann Schechter.”