Joan Arlene King

Joan Arlene King, 78, of Rockford, passed away at 3:27 a.m. Friday, January 17, 2020, at Parkview Hospital-Randallia in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

She was born November 11, 1941, in Decatur, Indiana the daughter of Chester and Anna LaVaughn (Railing) Barker, who both preceded her in death. 

She graduated from Pleasant Mills High School, in Pleasant Mills, Indiana, in the Class of 1960. On December 30, 1960, Joan married the love of her life, John Junior King, who recently passed away. Together, they shared many years of memories. 

They lived in Rockford the past 57 years, coming from Pleasant Mills.  She, along with her husband, was a lifelong farmer in Rockford. Joan also worked many years for CTS in Berne, Indiana, and Teleflex Corporation in Van Wert, from which she retired. She loved her family and taking care of them, especially her grandchildren. Joan could always be found mowing her lawn, a pastime she thoroughly enjoyed. 

Surviving are her sons, Neil (Tami Dutcher) King, Michael (Ann) King, and Scott King; three daughters, Diann Searight (Eric Sanders), Faye (Rod) Cheek, and Mary (Kenny) Stocklin; 20 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three brothers-in-law, Terry King, Dean (Kathleen) King, and Wilford Pete Davis; as well as five sisters-in-law, Carolyn Sue Braun, Linda (Robert) Railey, Rita (Ken) Johnson, Kaki Barker, and and Marcile King.

Joan was also preceded in death by her brother, Steve Barker; two brothers-in-law Leonard King and Floyd Braun; and two sisters-in-law, Shirley King and Bernice Davis.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 22, at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford, with Pastor Ken Myers officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Rockford. 

Visitation is from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday, January 21, and an hour prior to services Wednesday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: Rockford Historical Society or Parkway FFA. 

Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com.