Mrs. Joan Utter, 79, of Rochester, passed away at 1:43 AM on Monday, June 18th , at Millers Merry Manor of Peru.

On February 10 , 1939, Joan E. Holcomb was born in White County.  She was a treasured daughter of   Ervin and Vesta McClellan Holcomb.  Growing up, near Star City,  as one of the ten Holcomb kids,  she shared her childhood with seven brothers and two sisters.

Robert "Bob" Rigney married Joan Holcomb on May 6 , 1967.   Sadly he passed away on May 19 , 1981.  On Valentine's Day, February 14 , 1995,  Joan and Stanley Utter married in their home in Rochester.

Joan was a devoted member of the Church of Christ.  With a strong work ethic she worked at Moore Business Forms, was a cashier at the Rochester High School cafeteria and later worked as a building tech at the administration offices.  She is remembered for the flower gardens she planted annually around her home to enhance the landscape.

Left to cherish Joan's memory are her husband Stanley; a daughter, Merlinda Balmer and husband Wayne of Roann; two sons: Darrell Collins of Winamac, and Marvin Collins of Rochester; three grandchildren: Shaun Balmer and wife Kelley of Arlington Heights, IL, Brian Balmer and wife Crystal, Bronson Cottrell; numerous great grandchildren; four brothers: Orville Holcomb and wife Kathryn of Lowell, Keith Holcomb and wife Ruth Ann of Griffith, Jerry Holcomb and wife Patsy of Anderson, Joe Holcomb and wife Barb of Plymouth; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Joan in death are her parents; husband Bob Rigney, two sisters: Sally Reed, Vivian Mersch; and three Holcomb brothers: Harold, Jeff and Walt.

Pastor Jim Dillinger will officiate services.  Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.