Joan Carol Shail, 78, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away Sunday, June 18th, 2023 at home, surrounded by her family.

She was born August 26th, 1944 in Michigan City, Indiana, the daughter of Frank Cook and Audrey (Crawford) Cook.

A lifelong resident of the area, Joan graduated from High school and worked for Berkel Corp in sales. On March 21st,1964 at the PRCU in La Porte, she married her first husband, Larry Benson, who passed away in April of 1992. Joan was baptized at The Lambs Chapel Church and on August 10th, 1996 she married her second husband, Richard Shail, who passed away October 20th, 2020. Over the course of her life, Joan held memberships in the PRCU, the PNA, the VFW Post 9423, Rolling Prairie and the American Legion Post 297, New Carlisle. She enjoyed crafts, like flower arranging and painting with paint by numbers. Joan was an avid polka dancer and loved shopping with her daughter. Christmas was her passion-her home looked like it was part of a Christmas village when she was finished decorating. And she did it all for her children and grandchildren, who she adored.

Joan is survived by her son, Charlie "Chuck" (Mary) Benson of Cape Coral, FL; two step-sons, Richard (Nancy) Shail of New Carlisle, IN, Robert (Marla) Shail of New Carlisle, IN; daughter, Brenda  (Rick) Masters of Frankfort, IN; three brothers, Robert (Carla) Cook of LaPorte, IN, Billy (Gigi) Cook of La Porte, IN, David (Ida) Cook of Kingsford Heights, IN; sister, Cati (Dave) Ault of LaPorte, IN; seven grandchildren, Thomas, Collin, James, Kortney, Nathan, Seth, Noah; eight great-grandchildren, Jimmy III, Autum, Vivian, Alice, Lillian, Brennen, Talon, Avery and several nieces and nephews.

Along with her husbands, Joan was preceded in death by her parents.

Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Avenue, La Porte, IN where the family will receive friends on Thursday, June 22nd, 2023 from 10:30 - 12:30.  A service celebrating Joan's life will be held at 12:30 at the funeral home, with interment to follow at the Springville Cemetery, LaPorte, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made in Joan's name to the American Kidney Fund at www.kidneyfund.org or 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville MD 20852.

Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.