JoAnn Ely Obituary (1928 - 2024)

JoAnn Ely passed away peacefully on the evening of March 6, 2024. She was born on March 10, 1928 to Anna Elizabeth (Gosser) Rice and James Earl Rice in Coshocton, Ohio. JoAnn graduated from Coshocton High School in 1946. She married her high school sweetheart, a veteran of the US Navy from WWII, in summer of 1947. They eventually settled in Massillon, Ohio in 1955 and became active members of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church where JoAnn taught Sunday school and Jim was an usher. For many years JoAnn ran the ophthalmologist office for Dr. John T. Martin and then also the younger Dr. Martin. She then also worked for Dr. Stewart, DDS before retiring to often care for her grandchildren. She was also active behind the scenes in the Canton Players Guild and the Republican Women’s group. She cared for her dogs as much as her friends and her home was always open to those who needed a friend regardless of their age or situation. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years James Russel Ely. She is survived by her daughter Ann France Higgins and her son and daughter-in-law James “Jamie” Rice Ely and Jane Ely, her grandchildren David T. France, Michael J. France, Christopher (Jill) P. Higgins, Kristen (Trevor) A. Tucker and Zachary Rice Ely, her great grandchildren Cameron Higgins, Quinn Higgins, Lila Higgins, Benjamin Higgins, Tripp Tucker, Kenna JoAnn Tucker and Kinslee Tucker. The family will have a celebration of her life at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in JoAnn’s name to the Stark County Humane Society Arrangements have been entrusted to Schneeberger-Oser Funeral Home 2222 Fulton Road NW Canton, Ohio 44709 330.456.8237