Joan Ellen Gahimer

Joan Ellen Gahimer, 84, of Greenwood, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026, at her home.

She was born on January 16, 1942, in Shelbyville, the daughter of Basil “Bake” and Opal (Sconn) Gahimer.

Joan is survived by her sister, Jan Heiden, of Blue Ridge; nephews, Joshua Heiden and wife, Courtney, of Blue Ridge, and Zachary Heiden and wife, Leilani, of Indianapolis; great-nephews, Finn, Arlo and Julius; great-niece, Halia.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

In 1960, Joan graduated from Waldron High School. She received her bachelor’s degree in medical technology from Indiana University.

During her career, Joan was the laboratory director at Johnson County Memorial Hospital for 17 years, later retiring as the manager of technical operations for Covance, with over 25 years of service.

Joan was an art collector, and enjoyed going to art fairs. She also enjoyed making needle point pieces and doing stained glass. She was a Corvette enthusiast, having owned 14 corvettes of her own.

She was a contributor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, American Cancer Society and the Indiana University Alumni Association.

Visitation will be from 11 am to 1 pm, Monday, July 13, 2026, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St., in Shelbyville.

Graveside services will be at 1:30 pm, Monday, in Blue Ridge Cemetery, Shelby County, Indiana, with Pastor Dennis Hirschauer officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Association of Shelby County, PO Box 844, Shelbyville, IN 46176 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences may be shared with Joan’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.