STERLING - JoAnn Leffelman, 84,  of Sterling and formerly of Amboy, died Thursday Dec. 24, 2020 at Rock River Hospice and Home in Sterling.  

She was born Oct. 31, 1936 in Amboy the daughter of John and Ruby (Wise) Friel.  JoAnn had worked at the ASCS office in Amboy for 30 years prior to her retirement.  She had also worked part time at the FS Grain elevator in Amboy during the harvest, at the Long Branch Saloon and at Bob Anderson’s Christmas tree farm near Perkins Grove.

JoAnn was a member of St Patrick Catholic Church in Amboy, the church’s Women’s Club and had helped clean the rectory at the church.

She enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of the Red Hats and the Beach Bunny Club.

JoAnn married Eugene “Gene” Leffelman April 21, 1956 at St Patrick Catholic Church in Maytown.  He preceded her in death March 19, 2017.  She was also preceded in death by one grandson Scott Hayen, sister in law Patricia Friel and brother in law Bob Olson.

JoAnn is survived by her children, Douglas (Kim) Leffelman, of Wheeling, Denise (Ken) Sexton, of Sterling, Regina (Don) Poquette, of Bartlesville, Okla., Jack (Barb) Leffelman, of Amboy, Tom (Teresa) Leffelman, of Mendota; 13 grandchildren, Christopher Leffelman, Michelle (Matt) DiBlasio, Becky (Eric) Schiavone, Christine (Tito) Cantu, Nichole (Galen) Streeter, Katie Hayen, Brandon, Bryan and Danielle Poquette, Emily (Luke) Zimmerman, Kelsey Smothers, Spencer (Gina) Leffelman, and Tara Leffelman; 2 step grandchildren, Kristy (Jake) Krajewski and Josh (Monica) Grace; 12 great-grandchildren, Rylan, Payton, Jasa, Alex, Breanna, Ariana, Kaylee, Kennedi, Clayton, Bree Ann, Cade and Mathias; 5 step great grandchildren, Aiden, Gracin, Brynnlee, Logan and Kal; 3 great-great-grandchildren, Owen, Wilson and Joey.  She is also survived by one brother Bernard Friel of Amboy and one sister Mary Lou Olson of Amboy.

Funeral services will be on Monday Dec. 28, 2020 beginning with a 10:00 AM Prayer service at the Mihm-Jones Funeral Home followed by a 10:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St Patrick Catholic Church in Amboy with Rev. John Gow officiating.  Burial will follow at St Patrick Cemetery in Amboy.  Visitation will be on Sunday Dec. 27, 2020 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the funeral home.  Face coverings required at the visitation and service.

A memorial has been established.  Condolences can be left at www.thejonesfh.com