With her loving family surrounding her, Joan Louise Wright passed peacefully on December 10, 2024 at the age of 89.
Born on March 28, 1935 in Huntington Township, Adams County, PA, she spent more than 80 of her 89 years living on Park Street in Bendersville, PA before moving to Muskogee, OK in 2015.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents Lawrence M. Wright Jr. and Lena (Jane) Kennedy Wright, her younger brother Donald L. Wright and sister-in-law Ginger. She was married for 34 years from 1954 to 1988 to Harvey P. Kluck, deceased.
Joan graduated from Biglerville High School in 1953. She was an excellent student involved in numerous activities and held the position of Head Majorette. She especially enjoyed riding horses in her teenage years. Later, Joan served as the local tax collector and volunteered for many community projects. She enjoyed hosting family and friends, most recently the “Tea Girls,” at her Bendersville home. Joan kept in close touch with several dear friends until her passing.
Her multitude of talents included knitting, crocheting, quilting, sewing, crafting and needlework. Her extended family will always treasure her handmade gifts and her three children fondly remember the creative Halloween costumes she made for them when they were young.
An avid tennis fan for four decades, she could be found engrossed in all the international tournaments, with any Rafael Nadal match a must-see event. While she enjoyed traveling, her favorite place was on the patio where she oversaw her children and their friends playing, watched birds come and go, and experienced the changing seasons.
A busy and dedicated working mom, Joan made time to drive her kids to lessons, practices and performances, always making sure they had what they needed to succeed. Among the lessons in life she taught them were “Never cut anything with fabric scissors that isn’t fabric”, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all,” and “It’s never too late to shop.” After beating her young granddaughter at a card game, she explained, “Honey, I play to win”.
Self-sufficient and bright, she always worked full-time; 11 years with the Navy Depot in Mechanicsburg, PA and 43 years at Penn Forestry Co. in Biglerville, PA. In her later years, Joan insisted that she pay her fair share by shouting to her family “Use my card!” Joan always made time for family and often put their needs before her own. However, she was never willing to share her favorite lobster dinner when celebrating special occasions.
She leaves a beautiful legacy of kindness, caring, and wonderful sense of humor with just a touch of feistiness to her son Robin Wright (Dawn) of St. Johns, Florida; daughters Tina Mackley (Robert Jr.) of Mansfield, TX, and Wendi Johnson (David) of Muskogee, OK; as well as a nephew Douglas Wright (Julianne) of Pleasanton, CA. Her five grandchildren are Jessica Garon (Hans), Zachary Gebhart, Alison Cass (Chris), Patrick Mackley (Madi) and Colin Gebhart (Faye). Her nine great-grandchildren are Jacob, Joseph, Jeremiah, Julianna, Scarlett, Elliott, Olivier, Graham and Micah.
Professional Services have been entrusted to Dugan Funeral Home, Inc., 111 S. Main St., Bendersville.
A private graveside service will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Bendersville at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, PO Box 449, Bendersville, PA 17306.
To leave a condolence for the family, please visit the funeral home’s website.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan, please visit the floral store.
