Joan Elaine (Crabill) Larimer age 93 of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away on May 11th at her home. She was born February 16, 1932 in Bronson, Michigan, daughter of the late Northa Funk and Rubia Ruth (Morrow) Crabill.
Joan lived in the Bronson area where she graduated from Bronson High School in 1950. She graduated from Olivet College in 1977. On July 12, 1952, she married her high school sweetheart, Melvin S. Larimer, also of Bronson.
During their married life, Mel and Joan raised their five children in the following Michigan communities: Alma, Pontiac, Traverse City, Olivet, and Albion, where Mel taught choral music on the high school and college levels. Joan devoted her life to supporting her husband in his musical endeavors and in the raising of her beloved children. She was also involved in civic, educational and religious activities in the communities in which they lived.
Joan is survived by her five children: Jacque (Christopher) Pavlosky of Askett, Bucks, England; Christy (Thomas) Compson of Houston, Texas; Russell (Deborah) Larimer of Traverse City, Michigan; Laurie (Carl) Connin of Jackson, Michigan and Jennifer (Joseph) Larimer Robinson of Chula Vista, California. She was also survived by nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, a brother, Northa Crabill and many nieces and nephews.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents: Northa Crabill and Rubia Young; husband, Melvin Larimer; a granddaughter; one brother, Martin Crabill; two sisters, Jeanne Blasius and June Wilber; her step father Cy Young; a step brother and two step sisters as well as a half brother and three half sisters.
At the deceased's request, a private service will be conducted for family members only. The family suggests that those wishing to make a memorial donation in Joan's honor may give to the Mel Larimer Concert Series at Mission Hill Church, 6105 Center Rd, Traverse City, Michigan, 49686.