Joan A. Lafferty, 92 of Ashland passed away peacefully, Easter Sunday evening, April 5, 2026, in her home with her daughter by her side.
She was born on August 31, 1933, in Toledo, the daughter of the late Samuel M. and Mildred A. (nee Gillespie) Smith.
Joan graduated from Findlay High School, Class of 1951. Following high school, she worked at Ohio Oil Company for two years, then became a mother and homemaker until working at the Ashland County Auditor’s office. Joan retired in 2005 after more than 37 years. She went back to work part time until 2015.
She married the love of her life, Melvin E. Lafferty, on July 17, 1952.
Joan was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church where she served on the finance committee and was a member of the Friendship Sunday School Class. She enjoys music, reading, and gardening, often telling others that she mowed her own yard until the age of 84. Joan truly loved her family and spending time watching Hallmark movies with them.
She is survived by her daughter, Kim M. (Thomas) Shenberger of Ashland; her son, Kevin G. (Shirley) Lafferty of Ashland; her son-in-law, Mike Strine of Ashland; five grandchildren, Kaitlin (Steve) McGrath, Jacob Shenberger, Samuel Shenberger, Timothy (Jennifer) Lafferty, and Stacie Lafferty; a granddaughter-in-law, Beth Shenberger; eight great grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Joan is preceded in death by her loving husband of 30 years, Melvin who passed away on June 17, 1983; her daughter, Kathleen J. Strine; a granddaughter, Meghan Strine; a grandson, John Shenberger; three brothers, Gerald (Rita) Smith, Samuel (Rosella) Smith, and Ronald (Josephine) Smith; and her sister, Bonnie (Charles “Bud”) Gould.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home with Reverend Ben Roby presiding. Family and friends may visit two hours prior to the service from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Maple Grove Cemetery in Findlay, Ohio
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 112 Harcourt Rd #3, Mt Vernon, OH 43050 or the Ashland Christian Health Center, 380 East 4th Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com