JoAnn Erwin

JoAnn (Keller) Erwin peacefully left this world surrounded by loved ones on September 13, 2026 at Williamsport Health and Rehabilitation.

JoAnn was born in Warren County, Indiana on November 19, 1935, to the late Marx and Martha (Ewers) Keller. She grew up in the Baltimore Hills area of Warren County and attended Covington schools.

As a young lady, JoAnn loved spending time with her horses. She enjoyed riding and barrel racing, and she even crossed the Wabash River on horseback with her twin brother. JoAnn was also crowned the first Rodeo Queen of the Illiana Rodeo Pleasure Riders.

JoAnn was a remarkably hard worker who spent countless hours working multiple jobs to provide for her six children. JoAnn was the Dairy Manager for many years at Covington IGA, worked in the cafeteria at Covington High School, and even worked tirelessly at the local pool hall. JoAnn served many terms as the Covington City Clerk before retiring and moving to Illinois with her beloved husband, Bernie.

JoAnn was a very hard worker, often working more than one job on a regular basis – anything to be sure her children had what they needed. She often could be heard saying her children were by far her greatest accomplishment. This was evident when her face lit up with the sweetest smile every time one of her children walked into the room. Even though JoAnn worked many hours and multiple jobs, she always found time to support her children in their activities.

JoAnn loved being a mom and enjoyed her role as Grammy to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a sister, Dorothy Strawser, a brother, John “Jack” Keller, and her twin brother, Joseph Keller.

She is survived by her beloved children. Tony Knecht of Veedersburg, Curt (Beth) Knecht of Hoopeston, Illinois, Carla (Clark) Grupe of Veedersburg, Andy (Linda) Knecht of Covington, Chad (Tracy) Knecht of Noblesville, and Ken Anderson of Veedersburg. Her grandchildren Coy (Abby) Knecht of Attica, Daniel (Charity) Bass of Lincoln, Nebraska, Jess (Nathan) Schaefer of Covington, Cody (Faith) Knecht of Henryville, Cyle Knecht of Indianapolis, and Jordan (Andrew) Herron of Noblesville. Her great grandchildren Sloane Knecht, Sam Dimmitt, David & Daniel Schaefer, Eli & Mia Herron. JoAnn is also survived by Charlie, her loyal dog.

JoAnn was a kind and loving woman who always put others first. JoAnn will be dearly missed.

A Celebration of JoAnn’s life will be held on Sunday September20, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Covington Chapel 420 3rd Street Covington, Indiana at 3pm. Visitation will be held at the funeral home 1-3pm prior to the service. Burial will be held at a later date at Mount Hope Cemetery in Covington, Indiana. Please join JoAnn’s family in sharing pictures, videos, and memories on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com