JoAnn (Harper) Woode, 87, of Ashland died peacefully at home on Monday morning, March 23, 2026. She was born in Pleasant City, OH, on March 12, 1939, the daughter of the late Clarence and Mary Harper.
JoAnn is survived by her husband of over 68 years, Ken; children Ken Jr. (Carol) Woode of Springfield, OH, Martha (Roy) Meyers of Johnstown, OH, and Jim (Shelly) Woode of Ashland; grandchildren John (Vickie) Woode of Gilbert, AZ, Rebecca (TJ) Floyd of New Bern, NC, Levi (Mackenzie) Woode studying in Glasgow, Scotland, Kim (boyfriend Andrew Feldner) Meyers of Gahanna, OH, Tony Meyers of Cardington, OH, and Michael (Marjorie) Woode of Ashland; seven great-grandchildren; and special friend, Nancy Dupre of Ashland.
JoAnn met her life-partner, Ken, at Buckeye Lake as amateur roller skaters and competed throughout Ohio at the amateur level for several years. After beginning as a stay-at-home mom, she later worked as a lunch monitor at Arthur Street School, then in the medical records department of Samaritan Hospital, and then in accounts payable and as receptionist at Abbott Laboratories from where she retired. In living a full life, JoAnn was an organist at various area churches for over 60 years; past-president of the Old Uniontown Quilt Guild, past-president of the Ashland Music Club, and a member of the Ashland County Fair Auxiliary. JoAnn, with her husband, Ken, was active in many Masonic organizations. She was Past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Past Worthy High Priestess of the Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, and Past Royal Matron and Past Grand Royal Matron of the State of Ohio, the Order of the Amaranth. JoAnn enjoyed playing Mahjong, baking, sewing, being a grandma and great-grandma, and having conversation with friends and family.
A gathering of family and friends will be held beginning at 10:00 AM Saturday, March 28, at Christ United Methodist Church. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM with the Reverends Mar Bruner, Tom Snyder, and Ken Woode, Jr. officiating with an Order of the Amaranth Memorial Service immediately prior.
The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the staff of Ashland Home Care, Inc. for the loving care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church or Amaranth Diabetes Foundation, Inc. Online expressions of sympathy and condolences may be shared online at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com