Joan Eloise (Vaughn) Speece-Kessler peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior on March 23, 2026, surrounded by the comfort of her home in Washington.

Joan was born Aug 26, 1939 in Barberton, OH, the first child of 6 children of Otha "Jack" Vaughn and Virginia Eloise (Moser) Vaughn. Both have preceded her in death.

She graduated from West Liberty, OH in 1957. She grew 5 inches the summer before her Sophomore year and on the first day of school, while ascending the school steps, her hip popped out of joint due to the loosened ligaments. She spent that year learning at home while sporting a body style cast. Later, when Rhonda was a Sophomore in high school, the Biology teacher let Joan attend labs and do a frog dissection. Her drawings were obviously top notch.

She worked as a Soda Jerk in her early years, as well as a secretary at Timken Roller Bearing where she met her first husband.

She married Earl Junior Speece on July 2, 1958 and they celebrated 53 years prior to his death on Aug 6, 2011.

During those many years, they lived in over 46 homes in multiple states. She worked as a lunch lady, housekeeper, bookkeeper, and salesperson (her favorite job at JoAnne Fabric where she spent her paychecks on the fabric using her employee discount. It took her decades to use all of that fabric!!). She made money sewing cheerleader outfits for Crawford High School, several wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses, prom dresses, and clothing for private clients from her job at JoAnn's. She even made clothing and drapery for the Genesee County Museum in Mumford, NY. That is barely a complete list of her sewing skills.

In 1994, she started her card-making journey. Hundreds of people have experienced the love. Her creativity and skills are unmatched. Her signature move was to only put a sticky note inside so that the card could be reused. She sent 30-40 cards a month and was always 2-3 months ahead of her calendar. (Let it be noted that if you have a card in her pile already addressed and stamped, you will still be receiving it...)

She also enjoyed painting and has many pieces of art on the walls. She did large crossout saws, iron skillets, milk cans and anything you gave her.

She re-married on June 19, 2015 to Gerald L. Kessler and celebrated 8 years together before his death on Nov 1, 2023.

She very much enjoyed the mountainous vista of WA and returned here to live out her days.

When Joan decided that she did not want treatment after receiving her diagnosis in mid-September, we counted every month, week, and day a blessing. She did not want a reception after her departure, nor did she want a graveside service. She wanted people to enjoy her now.

We decided to have a party, and it was dubbed Joan's "come to Jesus meeting." We had cupcakes with fluffy white frosting and a little resin Jesus with his hands lifted to welcome the moment. It was a wonderful gathering and she was very happy with being able to mingle and chat with everyone.

Joan is survived by her children:

Randy E Speece (Claudia), AL

Rhonda E Law (Robert), WA

Grandchildren:

Morgan P Ascanio (Andrew), WA

Peri C Agazzani (Lucas), London

Shafer J Law (Kimberly), CA

Matthew Speece (Shelley), MS

Schuyler Speece

Step-Grandchildren:

Andrew Petersen (Becky), GA

Aaron Petersen (Reba), AL

And multiple great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She is also survived by her siblings:

Charles Vaughn (Liz)

Daniel Vaughn (Lisa)

Kathleen Kramer

And preceded in death by siblings:

Shelby Vaughn

Clayton Thomas Vaughn

She loved the Lord. She lived large and with her whole heart and no one was exempt from a hug. Her love, generosity and caring are an example to everyone who knew her. "Angel on earth" is putting it mildly.

Her final words to everyone:

"Life is what you make it; the good with the bad. LOVE is the key. When you have Jesus in your heart, nothing is impossible. And Jesus is the only way to eternity in Heaven. See you there."