JoAnn Emrich Stone, 88
JoAnn Emrich Stone, 88, of Adel passed away Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Berrien Nursing Center. She was born on February 17, 1938, to the late Jeff and Louise NeSmith Emrich. JoAnn attended school in Adel, Cook Co. and graduated in 1956. She married in 1958 and after living away for 9 years, she returned home in 1967.
JoAnn worked for 17 years at Cook County Federal Savings & Loan and 27 years at Adel Banking Co. which became The Citizens Bank. She retired in 2012 after a remarkable career that spanned more than four decades, and she left behind a legacy of professionalism and dedication that will be remembered by all who had the privilege of working with her.
JoAnn was an active member of the Adel Wesleyan Church, formerly Adel United Methodist Church for 76 years, where she was a member of the Young at Heart, served on numerous committees and was a teacher for the Keystone Sunday School Class. She was a faithful member of the Christian Joys Circle and served for 30 years as treasurer of the Adel UMW.
JoAnn loved God, her family, friends, church and church family. She enjoyed going to exercise at TAG, baking and surprising her family, friends and loved ones with her baked goods, spending time with them and her church family, and she also enjoyed reading and watching television.
Survivors include her two sons and daughter-in-law, whom she loved very much and was very proud of Mike (Lila) Stone of Adel, and Alan Stone of Douglas, GA; grandson, Matt (Maryanne) Stone of Adel; one step-grandson, Shaun Hughes of TN; two great grandchildren, Maddox and Madelyn Stone of Adel; and a very special niece who was more like a daughter, Bunny (Lin) Parrish; and several special nephews & their families. JoAnn was preceded in death by her brother & sister-in-law, Retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. William D. “Bill” Emrich, Sr and Mattie Ruth Emrich; sister & brother-in-law, La Faye and Charles Sansbury, and stepfather, Andy Flowers.
A Celebration of Life was held Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Adel Wesleyan Church with Rev. Douglas Tolson officiating. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.purvisfh.com. Purvis Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.