Joanne Idella Baughman

Joanne Idella (Gillis) Baughman, 92, passed away on January 9, 2021.

She was born in Akron, Ohio, on January 6, 1929 to Angus McIntosh Gillis and Margaret “Peg” (Butler) Gillis.

Her family eventually moved to Brimfield and she lived there almost her entire life.

She excelled in school, earning straight A’s and was allowed to skip a grade to learn with students a year older.  She graduated from Kent State High School in 1946.

Joanne attended nursing school, but stayed at home to raise her four children and was an exceptional baker – especially pies, cakes and cookies.  She loved cooking for her family (was happiest when you asked for seconds), was an excellent seamstress - making clothes for family members and created a wide variety of beautiful embroidery, knitting and counted cross stitch projects.  Later, she worked for and retired from Kent State University working with the Regional Campus group.

She was preceded in death by her childhood sweetheart, Mark “Denny” Baughman, her husband of 66 years– whom she met when they were six years old.  They spent the next 82 years together.  With their children and later by themselves, they travelled the country extensively visiting 40 of the 50 states.

Joanne is survived by her daughter Marsha (Del) Bichler, Memphis, TN; and sons Richard (Debbie) Holly Springs, NC; Byron, Brimfield, OH and Scott (Jaime), Kent, OH; eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.  Joanne was preceded in death by her parents and sister Kate (Gillis) Bryan.

The family would like to thank Danbury Memory Care of Tallmadge for their support and extremely professional care during Mom’s last years and the excellent support of the Summa Hospice team.

Due to Covid restrictions, there will be no services or calling hours. Burial at Restland Cemetery in Brimfield has already occurred. A celebration of Joanne’s life will take place at a later date for family and friends.

Services in care of Bissler and Son's Funeral Home.

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