ELKHART - A truly precious and beautiful spirit joined her husband, Richard, and the rest of Heaven's unspeakable joy on August 27, 2017.

Joanne "Jo" Elizabeth Bullock Boling was known for her infectious laugh and welcoming ways. She was born in Bedford, Indiana on December 22, 1929 to Ivan and Cletis (Lewis) Bullock. She quickly became a doting big sister to her younger brother, Jim. Unfortunately, her mom died early on in child birth, and her beloved father died when she was only 28. Her unique life experiences created a family-oriented, joyful, and inclusive soul who welcomed ALL into her home.

Joanne's spirit to serve was nurtured when she received her nursing degree at St. Vincent's School of Nursing in Indianapolis. It was during nursing school when a blind date, arranged by her friend whose husband had a friend, changed the course of both Joanne and Richard Boling, Sr.'s life. Married on the day after Christmas, a family soon followed; Kathy (Bruce) Greenberg, Richard (Babette) Boling, Mark (Monique) Boling, Jennifer (Dan) Groulx. Lucky for us, we were showered with her love … hugs and kisses, but also family game nights, sit-down meals, breakfast every morning, and support of all we did.

Outgoing and boisterous, she was easy to be located at the largest of parties by simply listening for her trademark laugh. Many will remember the loud and joyous "Hola" resonating on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta as Joanne greeted everyone she encountered. Joanne was so good for her husband, Dr. Richard C. Boling, Sr., as she not only spoiled him as his wife, but also brought Dick out of his shell socially. She affectionately nicknamed him, "Doc Darling," a name Jo used with endearment for her beloved soulmate for the duration of their days together.

Joanne so loved her people, she not only organized the get-togethers, spoiling us while we were with her, but then cried when we said our goodbyes. Joanne (Bammaw) and Dick (Bappaw) were blessed with 14 grandchildren: Krista, Marissa, Katie, Ashley, Whitney, Hayley, Mackenzie, Ronisha, Drew, Christopher, Michael, Matthew, Zachary and Madeline, and five great-grandchildren.

Many close and loyal friendships blossomed over the years, which decorated their lives like beautiful ornaments on a Christmas tree. Her rambunctious group of friends enjoyed Chatter and Chowder Society, travel and exploration, sports (golf and tennis), progressive dinners, card games, and singing around the piano, all which helped to fulfill her blessed life. Few friendships compared to the incredible bond between Joanne (Mert) and her best friend, Joyce Williams Doyle (Gert), a friendship that stood the test of time and further developed into family.

As life's mileage began to take its toll, her friendships extended to caregivers: Eileen, Lupe, Jennifer and her many extended family at Northwood's Village. Joanne was a lifelong member of St. Thomas Catholic Church where she served on the Rosary Society and as a Eucharistic minister. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels, was a member of Tri Kappa and Four Arts, and enjoyed her bridge club.

We know of no better wife, mother, Bammaw, great grandmother or friend (at least that is not already a Saint)! We will miss you terribly … Heaven's joy truly runneth over.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, August 31, 2017 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1405 N. Main St. Elkhart. Reverend Jason Freiburger will officiate. Immediately following, everyone is then invited for a meal and a time of sharing with the family at the Christiana Creek Country Club until 7:30 p.m. Private family burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Elkhart Education Foundation's Kindness to Prevent Blindness initiative. Mail checks to 2746 Old US 20 W. Suite B, Elkhart, IN 46514 or visit donateEEF.org Arrangements are under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart. Please visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to share a memory or send a condolence to Joanne's family.