Mary Joan Latchaw

Mary Joan Latchaw, 84, of Polk, PA, died at 12:50 a.m. on Saturday, December 31, 2011 at Sugar Creek Station. Born January 26, 1927 in Franklin, she was the daughter of the late William Smith Reese and Margaret Rudasill Reese. Mrs. Latchaw worked for General Manifold during World War II and had a rural paper delivery route for the Venango Newspapers. She was also a Presidents Club Member for Avon Representatives and was a member of the Barkeyville United Methodist Church. Mary Joan loved to go camping and reading. She was married on March 13, 1944 to Eugene M. Latchaw, who preceded her in death in 2001. Mary Joan is survived by her daughters, Carol McFarland and her husband, Thomas of Harrisville, and Patricia VanZandt and her husband, Harry of Polk; four grandchildren, Gregory McFarland of Waimia, Hawaii, Tracy Courson and her husband, Edward of Barkeyville, Stephanie Russell of Clark Summit, PA, and Cynthia Graham of Franklin; and two great-grandchildren, Gavin Kennedy of Clark Summit and Nicky Graham of Franklin. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Latchaw was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Reese; her sister, Janet White; and a grandson, Jude Tiley. Friends will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 from 2-4 p.m. Funeral Services will be held following visitation at the Funeral Home at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 with the Captains Christopher and Jennifer Blessing of the Franklin Salvation Army officiating. Interment will follow in Hickory Grove Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made the American Lung Association, 352 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16502. To send online condolences, cards, flowers, or to obtain further information, friends and family are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.