Joan B. Hillegass, 79 of Garrett, IN died at 11:07 p.m. Monday, June 22, 2009 at Parkview Noble Hospital in Kendallville, IN. She was born November 16, 1929 in Wabash, IN to Russel L. and Eloise N. (Long) Windle. She married Robert L. Hillegass on December 6, 1958 in Kendallville. Joan was a homemaker and had been a Garrett resident since 1962. She was a member of the First Church of Christ in Garrett, Monday Bowlerette League, T.O.P.S. and was a former Cub Scout leader. She is survived by her husband, Robert L. Hillegass of Garrett; 2 daughters, Margaret "Peggy" and Ron Snyder of Urbana, OH and Barbara and Craig Strock of Garrett. She is also survived by a son, Robert A. and Amy Hillegass of Waterloo; 2 sisters, Janice Payton of Corunna and Nadine Walker of Monticello. She also is survived by 6 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Elma Buss and a grandson. The funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, June 25, 2009 at Thomas Funeral Home in Garrett with Pastor L. Joe Fichtner officiating. Visitation will be before and after the funeral from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday. Memorials are to Stroke Research c/o American Heart Association.