Joan M. Spitznogle, 88, formally of Mt. Morris, passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in the United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, with family by her side. She was born October 21, 1936, a daughter of the late Melva and Pearle Hoy Mason.
She was a graduate of Mapletown High School, Class of 1954.
Joan enjoyed giving piano and organ lessons to several students in years past. She was a faithful member of Mt. Morris Gospel Tabernacle, where she served as vacation Bible school director, a leader in Women’s ministry and Singles’ ministry as well as playing the organ and piano for worship services. She also loved singing in the choir.
She worked for several years as an administrative assistant to the dean of library services at West Virginia University.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Tomer; her sisters, Patricia Headlee and Thelma Foley; brother-in-law, Donald Headlee; and an unborn great-grandson, Axel Spitznogle.
She is survived by her sons, Gary Spitznogle and wife Jeanie of Fairmont, and Brad Tomer and wife Amy of Fulshear, Texas; six grandsons: Gary and wife Dailinn Spitznogle of Shinnston; Greg and wife Julia Spitznogle of Oakland, Md.; Garrett and wife Abigail Spitznogle of Sneads Ferry, N.C.; Travis Tomer of Houston, Texas; Trevor Tomer of Frisco, Texas; and Tyler Tomer of Fulshear, Texas; 10 great-grandchildren, Gage, Duke, Roman, Natalie, Dylan, Jacob, Natalee, Alyssa, Alyvia and John Spitznogle. She is survived by her brothers: Jim and wife Marge Mason of Waynesburg, Pa.; John and Armeda Mason of Leesburg, Fla.; the Rev. Jack and wife Nina Mason of Phoenixville, Pa.; her sister, Joyce and husband, Keith Anderson of Mt. Morris, Pa.; her brother-in-law, LaVerne Foley of Cortland, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends may join the family to honor Joan’s life and legacy Friday, October 17, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in the Mt. Morris Gospel Tabernacle, 103 School Road, Mt. Morris, PA 15349, where visitation continues from 10 until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 18, with Pastor Joe Adams officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Mt. Morris PA 15349.
Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home, Inc., Mt. Morris, Pa., Shane M. Ayers, managing director, has been entrusted with her arrangements.
Condolences and photos can be expressed at www.milliken-throckmortonfh.com
