Joan Overholser

Joan Overholser passed away on October 19, 2020, surrounded by family at her home, The Reserve at Hamilton Trace.  Joan was born on May 17, 1928, and raised on a farm in Tipton, Iowa, the daughter of George L. and Elizabeth (Lee) Fraseur.  Joan had two brothers, George and Jack, who like most brothers loved to tease her.  Joan graduated from Tipton High School in 1945, as the Salutatorian of her class.  She married her long distance sweetheart (Red Oak, Iowa) of many years, Richard (Dick) on September 5, 1949.  She and Dick graduated from the University of Iowa in 1950.   They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on September 5, 2019.

Joan majored in education with a minor in music.  Joan put her musical talents to use and competed in the Miss Iowa pageant in 1946.  She was crowned Miss Eastern Iowa by Admiral Halsey and along with the other contestants was introduced to Bob Hope as part of the pageant’s ceremonies.

Joan loved art and music.  Her love of music inspired her to teach piano (we think about 16,000 lessons!) and to serve as a church organist for over 40 years.  Joan played the organ for the First Methodist Church in Charles City, Iowa, Grace United Methodist in South Bend, Indiana and First United Methodist in Noblesville, IN.  Since she could play just about any song by ear, she happily shared her musical talents at family gatherings.  Her family members know the “Iowa Fight Song” by heart since it was a very frequent rendition at family events.  While in North Port, Florida, Joan played for the Two Piano Group of Port Charlotte.

Though she loved art and painted during her college years, she set aside her love to paint until after her children graduated from college.  Her paintings reflect scenes from areas where she has lived and traveled.  Most of her watercolors were of historic houses, flowers and landscapes in the Noblesville and Florida Gulf Coast areas.  Joan studied art at the Indianapolis Art Center.  She was active in the Watercolor Society of Indiana and the Hamilton County Artists Association.  While living in Florida for 10 years, Joan continued studying and teaching watercolor.  She served as president of the North Port Art League and continued exhibiting in many areas of the Florida Gulf Coast.  Joan received many awards for her paintings, but the one she prized most was the 2008 Muse Award for Talent and Service to the Arts.

Joan was an active PEO sister for over 67 years, elected to the PEO Board for the State of Indiana and was honored as a Golden Girl (50 Year Member) at the 2002 Indiana State Convention.  Joan was an active member of Eastern Star and involved in many civic organizations in college and thereafter.  Her family and friends will always remember her as a kind, gentle and caring person.  Joan lived at The Reserve at Hamilton Trace for the last 5 years of her life, made many wonderful friends and so enjoyed living there.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Richard "Dick" Overholser; her father, George Fraseur; and her mother, Elizabeth Fraseur; her two brothers, George (Marge) Fraseur and Jack (Lee) Fraseur; and one great grandchild, Joey Tharp.

She is survived by her son Richard, her son Robert (Laura) and her daughter Sara (Bart) Tharp, along with 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Due to corona virus concerns, funeral services will be coordinated for family members on Friday by Randall & Roberts Funeral Home, Noblesville, IN. A video recording will be provided after the service for those unable to attend.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Art With A Heart (Indianapolis, IN), 2605 E 25th Street, Ste 301, Indianapolis, IN 46218, www.artwithaheart.us or for Indianapolis Children's Choir Scholarship Program, 4600 Sunset Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46208, www.icchoir.org/give.

Condolences:  www.randallroberts.com