Joan Clara "Joanie" Scharf, 79, South Charleston, W.Va., died Sept. 24, 2013, at Hubbard Hospice House West, South Charleston, surrounded by her family after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer.

She was born June 1, 1934, in Celina to Lawrence and Hedwig Gagel Kremer, who are deceased; her mother died when she was born. Her grandmother, Catherine Gagel, took charge, followed by an aunt, hired girls and her sister, Jen, who nurtured her to maturity. On Dec. 27, 1958, she married James J. Scharf of the Charleston area at St. Anthony Catholic Church. This marriage is blessed with her long life and love for her family.

She raised her children with common sense and Doctor Spock. She dearly loved Jim and their children's families, who all survive: sons, John (Michelle), Sacramento, Calif., and their children, Justin, Alexandra and Samantha; Steve (Janis), Lynchburg, Va., and their children, Zach and Harrison; Tom (Kathy), Palm Harbor, Fla., and their children, Melissa and Sara; a daughter, Julie (John Wiles), St. Albans, and their children, Jack and Stephen; a brother, Thomas Kremer (Mert), St. Anthony; and a sister, Mary Ann Severt, Port Royal, Pa.

Deceased is a sister, Jeanette Zehringer, Coldwater.

She graduated from Coldwater High School in 1952 and in 1956 received a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Dayton and St. Elizabeth School of Nursing, Dayton. She received her registered nurse certification and practiced at the Charleston Area Medical Center in the 1960s. When all her children attended school, she returned to nursing at Thomas Memorial Hospital, South Charleston, from 1969 to 1986, rising to nurse-manager of a 59-bed med-surgical unit. After retirement, she became a hospice nurse providing home care to terminally ill patients and later volunteered with her husband at Hubbard Hospice House.

She was a good example, a lasting inspiration and trusted friend for everyone she knew. She especially loved walking with girlfriends in her neighborhoods. She cooked good meals even before leaving home, using her own treasured cookbook. She loved playing bridge with Rock Lake friends, cross-stitching and hooking rugs with "hood" friends called the KnitWits and Hookers. She was "Joanie" to everyone and "Noanie" to her grandchildren. She was an active, long-time member of Blessed Sacrament Church, where she served on many ministries as well as volunteering in outreach ministries for less fortunate persons. She loved her church family.

Services are 11 a.m. Monday at Blessed Sacrament Church, South Charleston. Burial will follow in the parish memorial garden Columbarium. A luncheon will follow.

Calling is 6-9 p.m. Sunday at the church and one hour prior to services Monday.

Memorial donations may be given to HospiceCare, Charleston, W.Va.

Memories of Joan may be shared at www.snodgrassfuneral.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.