Joann Eldridge

(Nee Umbarger)

Age 79, late of Joliet, formerly of Lockport, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Born in Inman, Virginia, raised in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, lived in Worth, IL, Lockport, IL, and a resident of Joliet in 2013. Before moving to Lockport, she was a dedicated Dietary Aide for Greentree Nursing Home in Bridgeview, and Chicago Ridge Nursing. After moving to Lockport she worked for various local restaurants in the Lockport and Lemont area. Joann was often heard calling Radio Stations and participating in many contests, which she was proud of winning several prizes.  But above all else found great joy in life spending time with her family. She was a loving wife, mom, an amazing Nene and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 46 years, Gary Eldridge (2011); her parents, Dewey and Mary (Nee Kern) Umbarger; two brothers, Charles and Gary Umbarger; and two sister Kathy Umbarger, and Virginia Colvard.

Survived by her devoted children, Rhonda (Ralph) Scherer of Joliet, and Gary W. (Pam Lhotka) Eldridge Jr. of Steger, IL; five cherished grandchildren, Joseph (Karen) Scherer, Matthew (Kaydie Kasper) Scherer, Mikayla, Alexis, and Elizabeth Eldridge; six adored great grandchildren, Sofie, Benjamin, and Emily Scherer, Jordan McGowan, Julian Eldridge, and Lawrence Hoyle; her special cousin, Marie Joseph of Ft. Meyers, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, or a charity of your choice in Joann's name would be greatly appreciated.

Funeral Service will be on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at 10:00am in the O'Neil Funeral Home Chapel 1105 E. 9th St. Lockport, IL 60441. Interment following service at Lockport City Cemetery, Lockport. Visitation Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 5:00pm until 8:00pm.