Neigh

Joan L. Neigh, 90, formerly of Butler, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, Feb. 16, 2025, surrounded by family while residing at Magnolia Place in Saxonburg.

She was born in Winfield Township, Butler County, on Feb. 24, 1934, the firstborn daughter of the late Ralph Michel and Lillian (Denny) Michel.

Joanie graduated from West Winfield High School in 1952. She worked briefly at Penn-Dixie, Magnetics and later at JCPenney.

Joanie was first and foremost devoted to her large, loving and playful family, her neighbors, and her friends. A phenomenal and prolific cook and baker, Joanie nurtured her loved ones with full and flavorful meals as well as with delicious cakes, cookies, candies and pies.

Her recipes were well sought after. Be forewarned, however: If you have a recipe from Joanie, it likely won’t taste the same as when she made it. There’s always that one ingredient she threw in because she knew just what it needed. In fact, that’s how she most often tended to the people she loved, too — always knowing just what they needed.

Joanie was quick to respond to the “need of the hour” and supported all in her loving world with an extra set of hands, a listening ear and her invincible spirit. Joanie always showed up with her arms (and likely Bus’) full of food. She added beauty to the world — not only with her eyes shining brightly with love (or sometimes mischief), but also with flowers, bows and decor.

Known as Mom, Grandma, MamMa or Nana, Joanie was deeply connected to all of her children and grandchildren and was tuned in to their unique needs, interests and activities. Her loving care extended well beyond those in her immediate family. If you were lucky enough to meet her as a child, you will carry the memory (and shiver) that came with a good round of Dot-Dot-Dash-Dash. She was always “tickled to meet you.”

A member of St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Herman, Joanie was active throughout her life with the St. Mary’s Christian Mothers and Women of Grace. She and Bus also were dedicated members of the Secular Order of Franciscans.

Surviving Joanie are her husband of 69 years, Harold “Bus” Neigh, whom she married Feb. 4, 1956; her children, Karen (John) Reeher of South Carolina, Kevin (Colleen Smith) Neigh of Butler, Renee (Howard) Boroughs of North Carolina and Jennifer (Craig) Crawford of Texas; grandchildren, Justine Reeher, Andrea Shovlin, Blaine Reeher, Brandon Trombetta, Liam Neigh, Aidan Neigh, Ada Boroughs, Olivia Boroughs, Alec Boroughs, Camdyn Crawford, Carter Crawford, Talan Crawford and Anderson Crawford; two great-grandchildren, Ari Trombetta and Renee Shovlin; and siblings, Shirley (Bill) Chaffee, Marian Furl, Joyce Troutman, Donald “Nick” (Toni) Michel, Lucy (Glen) Rummel and Sherry (Russ) Erby.

So many nieces and nephews all across the country add to the circle of love and strength.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Lenita Trombatt; her granddaughters, Maggie and Rhiannon Trombatt; her brother, Ralph “Red” Michel; and brothers-in-law, Jim Furl and Dave Troutman.

NEIGH — Friends of Joan L. Neigh, who died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, will be received from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, 821 Herman Road, Butler (Herman). Everyone please meet at the church Wednesday morning for Mass.

Interment will be in St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Franciscan Missions, https://franciscanmissions.org.

For more information or to leave an online condolence, visit www.geibelfuneralhome.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.