Joan Marie (Rost) Shellenberger, 86, of Franklin, IN died peacefully at home on November 6, 2024. She was born in York, PA, on June 15, 1938 and married Paul R. Shellenberger in 1957, he preceded her in death on February 17, 2020.

She worked as a secretary for the State College, PA School District. Joan and Paul moved to the Franklin United Methodist Community in 2003 and enjoyed living near their grandkids.

When growing up, Joan discovered her vocal talent in the school choir, and became an accomplished seamstress to make her own clothing. Sewing and music were important throughout her life.  In the 1970's, she co-owned a sewing store, Stitch-a-Knit Fabrics, where she helped others find the joy of sewing as well. Joan was a member of several church and community choirs where she was frequently asked to solo. You would have been lucky to hear her sing;  she had the sweet, clear voice of an angel.  Once retired, she and Paul enjoyed going to Elderhostels, and these often centered around music.

Joan loved her family, to whom she was MomMom.  She was a wonderful helpmate to Paul, champion of the home-made dinner, and dessert-maker extraordinaire. The best family memories were spent making sticky buns with her grandkids, eating ice cream, and baking Cocoa Cake. If you ever tried her peanut brittle, you knew a slice of heaven.  Joan never forgot a birthday, and was famous for creating a custom card with a special personal message which always showed up on time. Her care for her loved ones was shown in many ways.

A special thanks to the lovely team at Seniors Helping Seniors- Ralanda, Gaye, Sherry, Gloria, and Peggy- and Sara, Chyna, and Carli her beloved caregivers.  You ladies made it possible for Mom to live in her home and enjoy her life to the fullest. You are blessed to be a blessing to others.

Joan is predeceased by her parents John and Helen (Bowers) Rost and her husband Dr. Paul Shellenberger. She is survived by her children Lisa Schmidt (Mark) of Rescue, California and Todd Shellenberger (Jamie) of Kissimmee, Florida, grandchildren Erika Miller (Noah), Drew Shellenberger, and Matt, Mike and Nick Schmidt, and sister, Peggy Delo of York, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Franklin Grace United Methodist Church Mission Fund, 1300 E Adams Dr, Franklin, IN 46131.

Reverend Dr. Jenothy Irvine will conduct a celebration of life service on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 2PM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN and will be live-streamed at www.swartzmortuary.com/obituary/joanshellenberger.  Friends may call Saturday, November 30, 2024 from 1PM until service time at the mortuary.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com.  Information 317-738-0202.