Joan Piehl, 94, of Lima passed from this life Friday afternoon, January 8, 2021, from complications of Covid-19. Her family would like to thank the team of healthcare professionals at St. Rita’s Medical Center and the entire family of Elmcroft Assisted Living caregivers, where she made her home since last March. You are our heroes! She genuinely felt loved and nurtured by each and all who have cared for her this past year.

Joan was born August 25, 1926, in Lima to the late Philip J. and Hazel E. (Mowery) Bible. She was the middle child of 5. She was a 1945 graduate of Lima Central High School.

On December 13, 1947, she married Omer L. Piehl. They celebrated 50 years of marriage before he passed away on August 11, 1998. She was a member of the Lazarus Lima Founder’s Club, having helped open the Lima Lazarus store and retired on January 15, 1989. She attended Grace Baptist Church, Lima, and enjoyed being part of the Senior Saints Sunday School class. She happily volunteered with monthly mailings at WTGN-FM radio for a number of years. She enjoyed being with family & friends, traveling, woodworking, collecting recipes and trying new ones, doing jigsaw puzzles, bird watching and collecting bird houses, and reminiscing. She was “Grandma” to many and friend to many more.

Surviving is her son, Bob (Sandy) of Lima. Her daughter, Cindy (Piehl) Mechling, preceded her in death on January 10, 2006. Her son-in-law, Robert “Bob” Mechling III, passed away February 13, 2020.

Also left to treasure her memory are her brother, Jay Bible of Lima; three grandchildren: Robert “JR” (Katie) Mechling IV of Negaunee, MI, Christy (Brad) Miller of Marquette, MI, and Kate (August) Lifferth of Newnan, GA; nine great-grandchildren: Madison Mechling, Sidney Mechling, Kalli Gustitis, Bradley Miller II, Robert “Robbie” Mechling V, Josie Mechling, Lincoln Lifferth, Lukas Lifferth, Lenna Lifferth; nieces and nephews, extended family, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter and son-in-law, siblings and spouses: Mildred (Millie) and Tom Sorgen, Ralph and Mary Lou Bible, Eileen and Pete Piehl, and sister-in-law Jane Bible.

A celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 14, 2021, at Grace Baptist Church, 1097 Fett Ave., Lima. A public viewing will take place from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. prior to the service, also at Grace Baptist Church. Pastor Matthew Oliver will officiate. Covid protocols including facial coverings and social distancing will be followed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grace Baptist Church or WTGN-FM radio.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.