MARCH 3, 1935 – DECEMBER 4, 2023
Joan Klein of Greenville, Ohio passed away on December 4, 2023. Bessie Joan Meier was born on March 3, 1935, in Lima, Ohio to Harley and Effie Meier.
In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Klein, who passed away September 4, 2008; her brothers Jack Meier and Bill Meier; and her sisters Kate Desenberg and Lois Granick; and son-in-law, Jeff Gifford.
Joan graduated from Elida High School, Elida, Ohio where she played the coronet in the school band, played basketball, and was a cheerleader. She obtained a bachelor’s degree from Ohio Northern University as well as two master’s degrees from Wright State University.
Joan and her husband, Don, moved to Greenville in 1959 and both became an integral part of the Greenville community. She had a lifelong love of learning and reading evident in her outgoing personality.
Joan was a very dedicated teacher and taught most elementary grades in the Greenville City School District for over 30+ years. In her later years of teaching, she became a certified reading specialist and developed a “Right To Read” program involving business leaders and state officials reading books to her students. Joan was also very active in the Ohio Education Association serving on the Executive Committee where she was very passionate regarding funding for education and equality in the workplace.
Joan is survived by her sister Barbara Hauenstein; her children, Rob Klein and wife Linda, of Austin, Texas, and Jodi Gifford, of Greenville, Ohio; her grandsons, J.B. Stephenson, Chris Stephenson, and Joseph Klein; and her five great grandchildren Isaac, Audrey, Camryn, Grayson, and Avery.
A private funeral service for immediate family will be held at a future date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, Ohio.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Klein family.