JoAnne C. Barton

JoAnne C. Barton, age 75 of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Tuesday morning, February 21, 2023 at The Laurels of Defiance.  
  
She was born on June 11, 1947 to the late Francis and Magdalene (Krejcik) Westrick in Columbus, Ohio. On October 19, 1971 she married Gary L."Art" Barton, who preceded her in death on October 16, 2010. 
  
JoAnne was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Defiance, Defiance County Historical Society, and Defiance County Law Enforcement Association. She worked for over 40 years as a Dispatcher for the Defiance Police Department and Defiance County Sheriff's Office until her retirement in 2000. JoAnne was also a Dispatcher at the Defiance County Fair, and was active at the Historical Auglaize Village, doing buck skinning. She never met a stranger and was a friend to everyone. JoAnne enjoyed her time spent with her Monday night Card Club. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and colleagues.
  
JoAnne is survived by her daughter, Julie Ann Barton of Defiance, her brother, Mark J. Westrick of Defiance, and her sisters, Karla (Mike) Love of Marshall, MI and Jean Gully of New Berne, NC. 
  
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Edward A. Westrick and Michael F. Westrick.
  
Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2023 from 2:00 to 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, February 27, 2023 at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Fr. Dave Cirata officiating.
  
Memorials are suggested to Defiance Police Department "Shop With A Cop", Auglaize Historical Society, or to a charity of the donor's choice.