Donna Joan Brubaker, age 87, of Greenville, Ohio, passed away Monday, December 4, 2023, at the Ayden Healthcare of Greenville facility. Joan was born September 15, 1936, in Darke Co, Ohio, and the daughter of the late Lewis E. (Dynamite) and Irma I. (Spencer) Mikesell.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Travis Locke Sr, her brothers Joe Mikesell, Harvey Lloyd Mikesell, Larry Mikesell, Bradley Mikesell, Sam Mikesell and Tom Mikesell: sister Martha Jane Herron: daughters Joanie and Jenny Locke: and grandson Jeremy Locke.
Joan was a dear daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who was focused on loving all who knew her. She made a difference wherever she was, driving the best out of any situation. She retired from FRAM in 2001 and met her second husband, William Keith Brubaker, while working in the Brethren Retirement Home.
Joan was a faithful member of the Beech Grove Church family in Hollansburg, Ohio.
Joan is survived by her husband, William Keith Brubaker of Greenville. They were married on April 25, 1992, after Joan’s first husband, Travis Locke, Sr., passed on May 16, 1990. Joan and Travis were married on June 10, 1953. Other surviving family members include sister-in-law Joyce Mikesell of Ansonia, Ohio; brother Terry Mikesell of Maine; and brother and sister-in-law Donnie & Charlene Mikesell of Greenville, brother-in-law and sister Gene & Ellen Snyder of Greenville, Ohio, brother-in-law and sister, Caroline Hankins of Union City, Ohio, brother-in-law and sister Don & Kathy Tackitt of Florida: son and daughter-in-law Tim & Pam Locke of Ludlow Falls, Ohio, son, and daughter-in-law Travis & Nancy Locke Jr. of Ladson, South Carolina, stepson and stepdaughter-in-law Monty & Dwann Brubaker of Florida, and step son-in-law and step-daughter Jeff & Jolene Baxtor of Maryland. Surviving grandchildren include Amy Locke, Adam and wife Ashlea Locke, Josh and wife Megan Locke, Sarah and husband Kevin Kress, Emily and husband Rodney Webb, and Bethany Locke. Additionally, there are 11 great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, in the Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, 1499 N Broadway Street, Greenville, Ohio, with Pastor George Glaze officiating. A private family burial will follow at a later time. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 1200 PM until the time of services in the funeral home.
It is the wishes of the family that Memorial Contributions be given to the Ayden Healthcare of Greenville and Everheart Hospice of Greenville.
Funeral arrangements are by Zechar Bailey Funeral Home Greenville, Ohio.
Condolences for the family may be sent to www.zecharbailey.com
