Joann Richardson

Joann Richardson, age 96, passed away on March 11, 2026, at The Inn at Whitewood Village. Born on November 16, 1929, in East Canton to Walter and Celeste Burkhart, she graduated from East Canton High School in 1947, where she served as a cheerleader and homecoming queen.

She worked for many years as a bookkeeper and administrative assistant for Ecko Products and later at the North Canton YMCA. Joann found great joy in traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her infant son Ricky, and her dear friend and high school sweetheart Bob Werley. Joann is survived by her daughter, Linda (Rick) Linc, and son, Gary (Paula) Richardson; five grandchildren, Brian (Tiffany) Linc, Jessica (Dave) Richardson-Brown, Tiffany (Joe) Marulli, Kevin (Hollie) Richardson, and Katie (Daniel) Pontius, and step-grandson Andrew (Regina) Roche. She is also survived by sixteen great-grandchildren, Mikayla, Brian, Jeremy, Arthur, Gianna, and Fulton Linc; Alexis, Addison, and Lillian Marulli; Devin (Faith) Halter, Carolyn, Colton, and Cade Richardson, and Luke; Ben and Adeline Pontius; great-great-granddaughter Everly Halter; three step-great-grandchildren, Guiliana, Theodore, and Wesley; and her brothers, Dean (Joanie) Burkhart and Bob Burkhart.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the caring staff at The Inn at Whitewood Village and Crossroads Hospice for their devoted care of Joann. A private graveside service will be held at Union Cemetery in Louisville, Ohio, in accordance with her wishes.