Joan W Schilling

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS 

Joan W. Schilling, 96, was called to join our heavenly Father on March 22, 2023, Alamogordo, NM.  She was surrounded by most of her loving family.  She loved God and she loved her church, Grace Methodist, Alamogordo, NM and her previous church, St. Paul’s United Methodist, Albuquerque, NM.  She loved her family and would do anything for them at a moment’s notice.  She loved collecting crosses and angels and at Christmas she loved Red Cardinals and snowmen. 

Joan was born on June 3, 1926 to Benjamin F. Welsch and Bertha W. Miller Welsch.   She was raised on a farm in Strasburg, Ohio along with 6 siblings.  Joan was the only sibling who did not like working in the barn with the animals so she begged her momma to let her clean the house, anything to keep from working in the barn: of course, her momma would put her to work in the house.  Joan graduated from Strasburg-Franklin High School in 1944.  She had a strong passion and love to become a nurse.  She wasted no time as she attended Akron City Hospital School of Nursing from 1944-1947, graduated with her Registered Nursing degree in September 1947.    She retired from her nursing profession in 1988 from Presbyterian Hospital aka Ana Kaseman Hospital, Albuquerque, NM.  

Joan married the love of her life, Carl Kenneth Schilling, on May 3, 1948.  They moved from Strasburg, Ohio to Roswell, NM and lived there until 1967.  Together, they adopted 2 children, Carlynn Kay and Kevin Ray.  She loved her children and was always their biggest cheerleader and was always there for them.  In 1967, they decided it was time to move to a big city, Albuquerque, NM.  Unfortunately, her husband suddenly became ill and joined our heavenly Father on January 8, 1976.  

In 1994, Joan moved from Albuquerque, NM to Alamogordo, NM to be near and involved with her 2 granddaughters:  Jaylynn Joan and D’Anne Gay.  She was very involved with her grandchildren; picked them up from school, followed them wherever their playing sports took them and always shared her thoughts and advice with them.   She also has a grandson, Daniel, whom she loved and cherished very much.  Danny lived in New York so it was much harder to see him on a regular basis, but spoke on the phone with him every chance she got.  She had an enormous amount of love for her grandchildren.  Then along came 6 great grandchildren and her love grew even more for all of them.  She couldn’t brag enough about her grandkids and great grandchildren; they were her pride and joy.

After Joan retired, she was very active and loved to:  read romance books, crossword puzzles, sew, quilt, golf, bowl, Senior Citizens line dancing, chair exercises, traveling with family and friends and most of all carry on her love in the hospital setting as a “Pink Lady” at Gerald Champion Regional Memorial Hospital, Alamogordo, NM from 1995 to 2020 when the gift shop was forced to shut down during the Covid time.    

Joan is survived by:  daughter, Carlynn K Chapman (Gary W. Chapman) of Alamogordo, NM and son, Kevin R. Schilling of Albuquerque, NM; granddaughter, Jaylynn J. Chapman, Ruidoso, NM and D’Anne G. Carter (Chief SMSGT Daniel Carter) of Ramstein AFB, Germany; grandson, Daniel Schilling of Reno, NV; 6 great grandchildren; Brother-in-law, Dutch Schilling (Barbara) and Sister-in-law, Connie (Schilling) Walker, numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband, parents, 6 siblings, in-laws, numerous relatives on both her side and her husband’s side of the family.

Joan was deeply loved by so many and will be deeply missed by all---Forever In Our Hearts. 

A very special “Thank You” to Anvoi Hospice:  Dr. Abood, Pam and Jan.  Your TLC made all the difference in the world with Joan’s end of life journey for both Joan and her family.   “Thank You” to her dear friend Cyndi Ritchie who had so much love and care for Joan.

A graveside service will be held in Albuquerque, NM on April 22, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Park.  A luncheon with family and friends will follow, Dutch treat at Rudy’s BBQ in Albuquerque, NM, immediately following a Celebration of life will be held at the home of her niece and husband, Albuquerque, NM.  If attending her services, in loving memory of Joan W. Schilling, please wear GREEN; green was her favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:  Grace Methodist Church, 1206 Greenwood Ln. Alamogordo, NM or Champion Regional Medical Center, Attn: Gift Shop, 2669 N. Scenic Dr. Alamogordo, NM 88310 or Alamogordo Senior Center, 2201 Puerto Rico Ave., Alamogordo, NM 88310.
   
The family of Joan W. Schilling has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home.

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