Joan L. Blaine

Age 89 of Coal City, Illinois, died peacefully on her birthday, Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the ARC of Dwight.

Born February 27, 1936 in Coal City, Joan Leona was the daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Beard) Funk. She was raised and educated in Coal City and graduated from Coal City High School with the Class of 1954. On June 4, 1955 Joan married Robert Blaine in the Coal City United Methodist Church, and together they shared 52 years of marriage in Coal City until Bob passed away in 2007.

She was a very active member of the Coal City community for her entire life. Joan was a devoted member of Coal City United Methodist Church, volunteered regularly with the Coal City Food Pantry and Meals on Wheels, and served as Secretary to the Coal City Little League Baseball Association and ran the concession stand for many years. She was always helping Bob with the Coal City Athletic Boosters Club, in addition to being a member of the Coal City Area Club and the Uniroyal Club. Joan was a hard worker, first holding employment with the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant, later working as a school bus driver for the Coal City School District for several years, until she gained employment with the Department of Energy at Argonne National Laboratory until she retired at the age of 70.

Throughout all of Joan's responsibilities, family was always the center of her attention. She was a steady presence at all of her children's and grandchildren's activities and sporting events, cheering them on and showing them she was their number one fan. Joan treasured memories made on family camping trips to Florida and fishing trips to Minnesota. She managed to find some time for herself, enjoying bowling with her regular league and taking trips to Las Vegas with Bob and family. Joan was a massive fan of all sports, whether it was watching the Chicago Cubs or Coal City athletics. Her legacy of family and community spirit resonated with so many people who crossed her path over the years, sharing her gifts with so many and leaving an impact that will last for generations.

Survivors include her two sons: Robert E. (Betty) Blaine, Jr. of Summerville, South Carolina and Joseph (Susan) Blaine of Coal City; six grandchildren: Katie-Lynn (Jim) Ludes, Leslie (Chris) Neitzel, Robyn (Joe) Barrette, Matthew (Jamie) Blaine, Tiffany Blaine, and Justin (Aubrey) Blaine; eighteen great grandchildren: Gabe, Dylan, Evangeline Jo, Conner, Payton, Camryn, Cathryn, Henry, Brady, Ryder, Beckett, Austin, Tristan, Karly, Elena, Easton, Brooklyn, and Blake; sisters -in-law: Dee (the late Ivan) Provance, Doris (the late Bill Scharman), Betty Watson, and Barb Funk; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one brother, Richard Funk.

The family will receive friends at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway Street, in Coal City on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow at Coal City United Methodist Church,  6805 East McArdle Road, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Wilmington where Joan will be laid to rest with her husband, Bob.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Joan's memory to: Coal City United Methodist Church, 6805 East McArdle Road, Coal City, Illinois 60416 or Coal City Athletic Boosters Club, P.O. Box 70, Coal City, Illinois 60416.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Joan's memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Coal City (815) 634-2125.