Joan Rood

Rood, Joan 3/26/1931 - 12/8/2017 Frances Joan Rood passed away peacefully on December 8, 2017, in the comfort of her home in Parkview Hills at the age of 86. Joan was born on March 26, 1931, in Kalamazoo, Michigan where she resided all her life. Joan graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Western Michigan College (which later became Western Michigan University) in 1953 and from the University of Michigan with a Master of Arts in Education in 1963. Joan was a talented artist who painted throughout her life. She was active with the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, and participated in the annual KIA Art Fair. She loved animals, nature, and travel. She supported her community and attended the First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo for many years. Joan was the daughter of Paul Rood and Josephine Connable Rood of Kalamazoo and is survived by her sister, Margaret "Peggy" Clark of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, her sister-in-law, Hazel Rood, nieces and nephews, Josephine Rood, Catheryn McMinn, Lia Rose Ayley, Frederick Ashby II, Leonard Ashby, Julie Atkins, Paul Clark, Jon Clark, Jill Clark, Sally Clark, and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Joan was predeceased by her parents, her sister, Ellen Ashby, and her brother, Jon Rood. A private memorial will be held in the spring for the family and friends to celebrate Joan's life. The family would like to extend its sincere gratitude to Joan's longtime caregivers from Custom Carelink for their faithful and compassionate care for many years. The family would also like to thank Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan for its care and comfort during Joan's last months. Joan will be remembered and missed by all who knew her. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, NAMI of Kalamazoo, the Humane Society of the United States, or the Jon P. Rood Endowed Scholarship at Western Michigan University.