Joanne S. Hott, 91, a life-long resident of Springfield, IL, passed from this life on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Wellbrooke of Westfield, Westfield, IN.

Joanne was born December 2, 1931, in Springfield, the daughter of Joseph and Milly (Schmitt) Stublefield. She married Preston B. Hott of Assumption, IL, on June 7, 1953, at First Christian Church, Springfield. Pres passed away December 20, 2018, in Fishers, IN.

Surviving is a daughter, Lisa (Jeff) Powell of Westfield, IN, and a son, Joseph (Mary Lou) Hott of Rogers, AR; six grandchildren, Eric (Ashley) Powell, David (Leigh) Powell, both of Carmel, IN, Ryan (Hendyel Pacheco) Powell of Gainesville, FL, Michael (Chance Woodward) Powell of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Alan (Ashlee) Hott of Las Vegas, NV, and Rachel (John) Watterson of Lowell, AR; four great-grandchildren, Lilly and Charley Powell, Casey and Mae Watterson, plus another great-granddaughter expected in early August (Prestyn Powell). Also surviving is her good friend, Sharon Miller.

Joanne graduated from the eighth grade from Hay-Edwards School; she was a 1949 graduate of Springfield High School and a 1953 graduate of Millikin University, Decatur, with a bachelor's degree in music education.

In the fall of 1953 Joanne and Pres began their teaching careers in East Peoria, only to move back to Springfield the following year to teach in District 186. Joanne taught music at Ridgely School, later teaching at Ben Franklin Middle School until taking early retirement to care for her ailing mother.

She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority at Millikin and remained active for many years as an alumnus. Joanne was also a member of P.E.O Chapter LR, as well as Sigma Alpha Iota Music Sorority. She was a life-time member of First Christian Church where she sang in the Chancel Choir and enjoyed working in the church library. In 2015 she and Preston were each honored as an Elder Emeritus.

Pres and Joanne loved to travel. They made several trips all over the United States and Europe with friends, as well as travelling several summers to Aspen, CO, for a week-long music symposium. Joanne also sang with the Illinois Symphony Chorus for many years, often singing for each Governor's Inauguration. She was the featured soloist for the Illinois Funeral Directors Association's annual Service of Remembrance for several years.

Joanne and Preston thoroughly enjoyed life and made the most of their retirement years.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1441 Monument Ave, Springfield. Joanne will then be buried next to Preston and her parents. The grave is just beyond the Monument Ave main gate. A visitation will be held from 10-to 10:30 at the Chapel Mausoleum, which is inside the gate, to the right.

The family would like to thank the staff at Wellbrooke of Westfield and Transitions Hospice for their outstanding loving care.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, 700 S Sixth St, Springfield, 62703.

Wallace Hooker of Family and Friends Funeral Home, Wingate, IN, is handling arrangements.