June 26, 1936 – December 12, 2018
Joan Arthur Perkins, 82, of Carmel, formerly of Sheridan, passed away on Wednesday morning, December 12, 2018 at Maple Park Village in Westfield. Born June 26, 1936 in Sheridan, she was the daughter of the late Arley Ross and Ruby (Fesmire) Arthur.
After graduating from Sheridan High School with the Class of 1954, she continued forward with her studies, earning her Undergraduate Degree in Education from Indiana University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Ball State University. Teaching children was her life’s passion. For over 35 years Joan taught at Harcourt Elementary School in Indianapolis. First grade was where she would spend the majority of her teaching career, and that seemed to be a perfect fit for her. It takes a special person to be an educator, especially an elementary school teacher. For Joan, teaching was not a 9 to 5 job. She spent countless hours thinking about new and creative ways to engage her students and help them learn, without them realizing they were learning. Her class would have special activities throughout the year that focused on whatever holiday was coming up next or any special events, such as the Pan Am Games, that were happening around Indiana. The kids would learn about the subjects in class and then present the material at an open house event for their parents. The kids were always so wrapped up in what they were going to show mom and dad that they never realized they were actually learning something at the same time. Joan made it a point to learn as much as she could about her students; from their learning style, to their family dynamics, she would to try to create lesson plans that would focus on each of their individual needs.
Retirement gave Joan the opportunity to focus on some of her other interests. She enjoyed spending time out in the garden tending to her flowers or just puttering around in the yard. If she was outdoors, she was happy. It also afforded her more time to go traveling with her husband and her sisters.
Joan was a member of the Sheridan First United Methodist Church, where she was active in the Koinonia Circle. She also was an active member of both the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Delta Zeta sorority. Joan, along with her late husband Ron, were also active members of the Westfield Lions Club.
Joan never really stopped being a teacher. Although she retired from the profession, the birth of her granddaughter, Nora, gave her the opportunity to pick up right where she left off. For that first year as a grandmother, Joan spent every day with Nora. Technically she was providing daycare, but it was so much more than that. Joan made sure she read to Nora every day, helping to insure a lifelong love of reading at an early age.
Joan is survived by her loving son, Ross E. Perkins (Buffy), Carmel; her wonderful granddaughter, Nora A. Perkins, Carmel; and her four siblings, James “Bud” Arthur, Westfield, Marietta Pesel, Speedway, and twin siblings Carol Henderson, Westfield and Carl Arthur (Lillian) of Costa Rica. Joan is also survived by the members of her teaching group whom she regularly met for lunch.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Patty Egler and Betty Burton; one brother, Paul Arthur; four brothers-in-law, Richard Henderson, Harry Pesel, Noel “Curly” Egler and Phil Burton; and by the love of her life, Ronald E. “Ron” Perkins on July 8, 2018. She and Ron were married on July 15, 1967.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan, with visitation from noon until the time of service. Burial will follow at Summit Lawn Cemetery in Westfield. Pastor Carol Fritz will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the Sheridan First United Methodist Church.
Arrangements
Calling: Noon to 2 p.m., Dec. 19
Service: 2 p.m.., Dec. 19
Location: Kercheval Funeral Home
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com