JoAnn Slabaugh

JoAnn Slabaugh, 85, of St. Joseph passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at home.

A funeral service will be held 10:30 AM on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at Zion St. Joe United Church of Christ, 3001 Veronica Dr., St. Joseph, MI 49085. Friends may meet with the family from 5 - 7 PM on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman, MI 49106. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be given to Covenant House, PO Box 758636, Topeka, KS 66675-9986. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.

She was born on May 1, 1941 in Lillybrook, West Virginia the daughter of the late Revis and Hattie (Stone) Whitt. On November 8, 1958 she married Clarence Slabaugh and he preceded her in death on June 12, 2017.

JoAnn was the first of 9. She was needed at an early age to help with the care of her siblings. She developed a life long passion of caring that extended past her family. With her, strangers quickly became friends and friends became like family. Decades later, friends have fond memories of her warmth, her kindness and that she literally sparkled with life. Her greatest joy was bringing family and friends together at her home where differences could be set aside so love, compassion and understanding could bloom. Another great passion of hers was her flower and plant gardens. They represented her love of nature and the beauty within. Developing, nurturing plants to see them flourish, gave her a strong connection to life.

She had several jobs throughout her life. When her children were young, to earn extra money she sewed clothes and did laundry for neighbors. Later she was a waitress for Berrien Hills Country Club and others. One of her proudest moments was going to college at age 50 and earning a business degree from Lake Michigan College. From that she worked for Lakeland Hospital in clerical work and as a phlebotomist. Her final job in her 80’ was at TJ Max. In all her work she developed loving memorable relationships. That was who she was, a kind loving soul full of life and ready to share that with all, family, friends or strangers.

Survivors include three sons: Mark (Linda) Slabaugh, Michael Slabaugh, and Jeffrey (Kim Cupeman) Slabaugh; five grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; three sisters: Brenda Baldwin, Sharron Yakel, and Robin (Raymond) Steadmon; and four brothers: Michael (Debbie) Whitt, Randy (Joyce) Whitt, Barry, (Viki) Whitt, and Jimmy Whitt.

JoAnn was also preceded in death by her daughter, Connie Slabaugh; and brother, Gary Whitt.

Arrangements are entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman, MI 49106.