Joan M. Kreps

Joan M. Kreps, 102, passed away on September 15, 2025 in Indianapolis. Born Joan (pronounced Jo-Ann) M. Roche on April 27, 1923 in Lafayette, IN to Michael L. Roche and Yetta (Kalies) Roche. She was the third of five children. As a young girl, Joan enjoyed music and literature and graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School in 1941. Immediately upon her graduation of high school, she enrolled in the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in Lafayette.

After her graduation, she enrolled in the United States Army Nurse Corps (ANC) and served stateside at the Ashford General Hospital in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia during World War II. Formerly known as the Greenbriar Hotel, the facility was converted to military use in 1942 and treated over 24,000 wounded soldiers. During her time there, she was able to meet many important military leaders, including General Dwight D. Eisenhower and General Omar Bradley. She was honorably discharged from the army on March 22, 1946, holding the rank of Second Lieutenant.

Joan continued her career as a nurse in the private sector. One of the highlights of her career was working for Doctors James Marion Kirtley and Samuel C. Millis in their private practice. After retiring from nursing she continued to serve in a volunteer capacity as a Pink Lady for many years.

In July of 1948, Joan was married to Ray H. Kreps of Crawfordsville, Indiana. They were married for 32 years until Ray passed away in March of 1981. They had one son, Michael, and were legal guardians to Ray's niece, Joyce, whom they considered their daughter.

Joan's life was hallmarked by her genuine care and concern for other people. She continually put the needs of others before her own. She lived a life of service to all and has been an example and a blessing to those around her. She had an intense love of family. She was a devoted mother; grandmother; and great grandmother; remaining active in their lives until the last few months of her own. She was also an active member of St. Bernards Catholic Church for the many years that she lived in Crawfordsville.

Joan was preceded in death by: her parents; her brother, William "Bill"; sister, Elizabeth "Betty"; and husband, Ray. She is survived by her son, Michael (Donna) Kreps; daughter Joyce (Kreps) Foye; sisters, Carolyn (Roche) Schilling; and Sara (Roche) Bramer; and many grand-children and great grand-children.

Visitation for Joan will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025 at Sanders Funeral Care, 315 S Washington Street in Crawfordsville from 9:30am until the time of the service at 11:00 am. officiated by Pastor Jonathan Ember. Burial will follow at Oak Hill North Cemetery. Share memories and condolences at www.SandersFuneralCare.com.