On December 23. 2025, one month before her 101st birthday, JoAnne Fields-Ritter, of Liberty, Indiana, went to her eternal home in Heaven.  JoAnne was born on January 23, 1925, to Howard and Gladys Kibby Talbott of Springersville, IN.

She grew up as an only child, dearly loved by her family. She was an excellent student and a cheerleader at Alquina High School. She dreamed of becoming a teacher but her plans changed when she met a young man named Omar Dale Fields. They were introduced at a skating rink, fell in love and were married for 53 years.  Their marriage and love for one another led to the blessing of a large family.  JoAnne and Omar Dale had 8 children: Bonnie Jo Kassens/Phil of Liberty, IN, Karen Kay Bond/Dennis of Milledgeville, GA, the late

Judith Anne Schock/late Rodger of Hood River, OR, David Owen Fields/Sharon of Liberty, IN, Anita Faye Decker/Don of Hood River, OR, Kathy Sue Stringer of McKinney, TX, Donna Lynn Bostick/Ted of Liberty, IN, and Tonya Michele Miller/Greg of Canton, GA. They also had over 100 grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.  JoAnne was so proud of her family and loved spending time with family and friends through the years. She was deeply loved by all who knew her. Her family is so grateful for her example of unconditional love and faithfulness.

After her children were grown, JoAnne went back to school to complete her GED. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and friend and was also Sunday School teacher at Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church and children's librarian at the Union County Public Library where she worked for 9 ½ years.

While living in Liberty, JoAnne attended Edwards Memorial and later Mt. Pleasant Community Church.  She was a devoted follower of Jesus. She was very grateful for the ability to participate in Bible Study Fellowship and Community Bible Study as well as various church retreats over the years.

JoAnne had a loving smile, playful sense of humor and compassionate heart. She was an avid reader who also enjoyed crossword puzzles, Scrabble and jigsaw puzzles. She was a gifted seamstress, baker, painter and musician. Playing the piano and singing brought her so much joy.

Her husband, Omar Dale, died in 1995. JoAnne was blessed later in life by her marriage to Don F Ritter in 1998 and moved with him to Arizona where she lived until after his death in 2001. She was thankful to gain two more children through their marriage, Mark Ritter/Dianna and Anita Riley and she loved them and their children and grandchildren and was so grateful for their love for her.

JoAnne spent subsequent years in Indiana, Ohio and Georgia until moving to Woodland Country Manor.  The family is so thankful for the compassionate care she received there.

Our mother made the world brighter simply by being in it.  She will be so deeply missed, yet we take comfort in knowing that she is now whole and at peace in heaven.  We look forward to seeing her again one day.

Friends and family may gather for a Memorial Services at Mt. Pleasant Community Church, 479 S Mt. Pleasant Road, Liberty, IN, on January 24, 2026, at 2:00 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Pleasant Community Church or the Union County Public Library.

Urban Winkler Funeral Home is honored to assist JoAnne's family with her arrangements.