Joan E. (Rethman) Hilgefort, age 81, formerly of Fort Loramie, passed away of natural causes early Monday morning, November 20, 2017, at Heritage Manor Nursing Center in Minster, Ohio.

She was born March 5, 1936, in Versailles, Ohio, to the late Bernard "Ben" and Marie (Stucke) Rethman. On April 11, 1956, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Osgood, Joan married Richard H. Hilgefort who preceded her in death on September 15, 2006.

Surviving are four children: Randall Hilgefort of Farmersville, Jeanne & Robert Hoying of Fort Loramie, Steven & Stacey Hilgefort of Fort Loramie and Jason Hilgefort of Shen Zhen, China; five grandchildren: Amber (John) Aselage and Hannah (Ryan) Shuster, Joel, Lindsey, and Maeve Hilgefort; Six great-grandchildren: Camden, Bensen, Roman, and Warren Aselage, Boston and Greyson Shuster; one sister, Dorothy & Ken Barhorst of Fort Loramie and a sister-in-law, Mary Schmiesing of Fort Loramie.

She was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Rita Hilgefort; one brother, Ed & Marjorie Rethman and brothers-in-law: Joseph Pleiman, Cletus Schmiesing, Robert and infant Henry Hilgefort.

Mrs. Hilgefort was a 1954 graduate of Versailles High School. She retired in 1991 from Fort Loramie High School where she had been secretary for the superintendent.

Joan was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church. Years ago, she had been active in school & civic clubs. Joan enjoyed arts and crafts, painting and drawing, traveling and interacting with her grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, November 25, 2017, at St. Michael Church in Fort Loramie with Rev. Steven Shoup presiding. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery.

Friends may call Friday 3:00 to 7:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Gehret Funeral Home in Fort Loramie.

Memorials may be made to Fort Loramie Booster Club-Redskin Memorial Park or charity of choice.

Private condolences may be expressed at www.gehretfuneralhome.com.