JoAnn M. Tom

JoAnn Marie Tom, 91, of Columbia City, IN passed away Thursday night, June 11 2015, at Millers at Oak Pointe, Columbia City. Born on January 17, 1924 in South Whitley, she was the daughter of Russel Dimmick and Eva Wanda(Bretsinger) Dimmick.

She was born and raised near South Whitley, eventually moving to Larwill where she graduated from Larwill High School with the class of 1942. In 1954, shemoved to Tri Lakes,where she made herhome for many years. She moved a final time in 1992 to Columbia City where she had resided since. For nearly 30 years she was employed as a clerk for General Electric in Fort Wayne.She waitressed for a number of years and had been an office clerk with The Collection Company from 1985 until her retirement in 2003.

JoAnn was a member of Thorncreek Bethel Church of God and an avid reader, especially of mysteries. She was known for the flower gardens around her home and her love for animals, to whom she was always a caretaker, no matter what kind.

Survivors include her daughterBeth E. Shoda of Columbia City; 7 grandchildren; 12 great- grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; half-sister Linda (Larry) Tackitt of South Whitley; half-brotherJerry (Janice) Dimmick of Michigan and former son-in-law Gary Pfeiffer of Columbia City.She was preceded in death by her parents; daughters Karen Tom and Jeanne Pfeiffer; son Richard Grunstad; sister Betty Jean Dimmick; half-brotherJames Dimmick and special friendVassie Tom.

A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2015 at Demoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with calling from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Certified Funeral Celebrant Sharon Brockhaus will officiate. A private burial at South Whitley Cemetery will take place at a later date. Memorial gifts may be given in JoAnn's memory to Whitley County Humane Society or to the activities department of Millers at Oak Pointe.Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.Please visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.