Joan Carol McDevitt

Joan Carol (Merkel) McDevitt, 80, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on October 26, 2026.

Joan was born to George and Viola (Phillips) Merkel and was a proud native of Dillonvale, Ohio. She was the youngest of three children. Alongside her siblings, Jack and Judy, she grew up in a close-knit family and community, surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins who lived just across the street.

In her younger years, Joan loved cheerleading, listening to music with her girlfriends, and soaking up the sunshine whenever she could. After graduating from Dillonvale High School, she attended Ohio University, where she studied children's literature. Following college, Joan moved to Columbus with friends and began her career at Lawyers Title. It was there that she met and married the love of her life, Richard.

Joanie and Richard shared 57 years of marriage. Together they raised three children: Rob (Lydia) McDevitt of Columbus; Mark (Jori) McDevitt of Hilliard; and Shannon McDevitt (Andrew Phares) of Powell. She was a grandmother to Christopher and Leah. She is lovingly remembered by her sister, Judy, with whom she shared a lifetime of memories.

Prior to retirement, Joan worked for the American Heart Association, where she was a passionate advocate for heart health. She led fundraising efforts, helping raise critical support for heart disease research. She also helped bring educational programs and Jump Rope for Heart initiatives to schools across Ohio, encouraging children and communities to live healthier, more active lives.

Mom never met a stranger. She had a gift for conversation and an uncanny ability to make friends wherever she went. One of her favorite pastimes was taking walks with the many dogs she loved throughout her life. Along the way, she'd stop to chat with friends, catch up on neighborhood news, and somehow turn a short walk into a social event. She loved sitting on the patio with a glass of iced tea, soaking up the sunshine while often declaring that she wanted to "get some sun on my legs."

Those who knew her best knew she loved a little friendly competition. She was quick to wager a bet on just about anything, with the prize almost always being a Dairy Queen Peanut Buster Parfait. Somehow, Mom managed to collect her winnings 100% of the time, regardless of who actually won.

Above all else, Joanie loved her dogs. Even as dementia gradually took away traits that made Mom who she was, her love for dogs remained unwavering.

In her final years, Mom formed a special friendship with Mary, a fellow memory care resident. The two quickly became inseparable, spending their days side by side and finding companionship and laughter in one another. Their friendship brought joy not only to each other but also to everyone fortunate enough to witness it. In a touching and unexpected coincidence, Mary passed away on the same day as Mom, a final reminder of the extraordinary bond they shared.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her brother, Jack Merkel; and her cherished grand-dog, Katie, who undoubtedly greeted her with a wagging tail.

The family extends its deepest appreciation to our relatives, Joan's longtime friend Maxine, and all those who visited Mom throughout the years. Your presence, friendship, and kindness meant more than words can express.

The family would also like to thank resident aides, Tina and Tina, at Traditions of Hilliard; Terri; and the incredible team at National Church Residences Hospice. The exceptional care and dignity you showed our mom helped our family navigate an incredibly difficult journey, and for that we are grateful.

A celebration of Joan and Richard's lives will be held at a later date. They will be laid to rest together at Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus, OH.