Joan V. Garretson

Joan Garretson (Bedel), 91, of Champaign passed away on Monday, June 17, 2024 at Carle Foundation Hospital surrounded by family. She was born in Hensley township on September 2, 1932, the daughter of Howard and Berenice Jones.

Joan is survived by her children Craig (Cindi) Herriott, Linda (Joseph) Irle, Laura (Andy) Baylor along with her 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and her two brothers, Jim and Phil Jones. She is preceded in death by her parents and beloved husband, Wally Garretson.

She attended Hensley grade school where she fondly recalled riding her favorite pony to school. She graduated from Mahomet High School and received the DAR award her senior year. She was also salutatorian of her class. She went on to attend the University of Illinois earning both Bachelor & Master degrees in Education and was also a member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority.

Her love for teaching began at Mahomet Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School. After graduating, she taught at Mahomet School District for two years before beginning her tenure as an Elementary School Teacher at Fisher Grade School. She was a kind and dedicated teacher for over 25 years. One of her greatest achievements was an annual American party where she sparked a love of country not only in her classroom but in the community.

During her retirement she became active in philanthropy as the President of the Carle Foundation Auxiliary helping to develop the plans for the Carle Guest House. She also volunteered in the Carle Hospital gift shop for several years. Even though she was retired from teaching, her love for being in the classroom and interacting with children made her the happiest, especially when given the opportunity to sub for her grandchildren's classrooms at St. Malachy Grade School in Rantoul. She was a student favorite for many reasons, but one of the top reasons was because she loved to surprise her classes with donuts and special treats.

While teaching was her passion, she also enjoyed a variety of hobbies including gardening, crocheting, and crossword puzzles. She had a consistent flare for fashion and took great pride in her appearance, coordinating her outfits with accessories and jewelry no matter the occasion. Joan adored her family, wintering in Florida and getting her hands on a good book. She was witty and had a great sense of humor which only made people love her more. She had a great love for Jesus Christ and her faith never faltered. Joan was a proud 50 year breast cancer survivor and was much tougher than she looked. She will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 3pm to 6pm, with kind words of remembrance at 6pm, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Sunset Funeral Home located at 710 North Neil St. Champaign, Illinois. Joan will be laid to rest at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign, IL. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Carle Health Center for philanthropy, 611 West Park, Urbana IL 61801. Money may be earmarked for Wills Garden or the guest house in her name.

Please join Joan's family in sharing memories and photos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

Services Celebration of Life Wednesday June 26, 2024 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center Champaign-Urbana Chapel 710 N. Neil Street Champaign, , IL 61820 Time of Remembrance Wednesday June 26, 2024 6:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center Champaign-Urbana Chapel 710 N. Neil Street Champaign, , IL 61820