Joan Lura DeWalt, 82, of Redlands, California, formerly of Peoria and Germantown Hills, passed away at 10:20 p.m. on July 8, 2006 at Country Villa Nursing Home in Redlands.
     Joan was born April 12, 1924 in Peoria, daughter of Harry and Catherine Schmidt Sehmer. Her father served on the Peoria police department for many years during the 1940’s, including a special FBI task force. Her grandfather, Charles Sehmer, was City Treasurer for Peoria during the 1930’s. On June 5, 1944, she married Roy D. DeWalt in Peoria. He preceded her in death, along with her parents.
     Joan is survived by one son, Charles (Sharon) DeWalt of Madison, Ohio; two daughters, Cathy R. DeWalt and Julianne (John) Adamik, both of Moreno Valley, California; two grandsons, Dennis DeWalt of Geneva, Ohio and Scott Shook of Gilbert, Arizona; and one sister, Rosemary Vincent of Washington, IL. She also leaves behind her beloved cats, Alexander and Crystal.
     Joan was a 1942 graduate of Woodruff High School. At the age of 65, Joan attended Illinois Central College taking classes in Art and Marketing. She was extremely proud of the high grades she received in her courses. She was very artistic and enjoyed painting, sculpture and crafts.
     She enjoyed her role as a homemaker and especially loved raising her children. Her children were her best friends. She was a long time member of the United Church of Christ.
     Joan touched the lives of many people and will always be remembered for her wonderful “young at heart” attitude towards life.
     Joan enjoyed listening to show tunes, especially Andrew Llyod Weber. She also enjoyed music of the 40's, 50's and hymns. Christie Lane was her favorite vocalist and her favorite song was "Young at Heart".
     Joan collected clothing and jewelry, especially watches and earrings. She was always perfectly groomed and had jewelry, watches and purses to match nearly every outfit. She NEVER left her home without makeup. She enjoyed going to the movies, eating out, attending plays and parties - and especially any occasion or holiday where she could dress up in costume.
     She was the most honest person her children have ever known. Also, she never met a stranger. Everyone was a friend. If she sat near you for more than ten minutes, you knew everything going on in all of her children's lives.
     She enjoyed her cats. Her main concern near the end of her life was that there would be someone to take care of them.
     Her family is most proud of her for being a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother.
     A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, October 21, 2006 at Luthy Botanical Gardens in Peoria. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorial contributions may be made to the U.S. Humane Society.
     Arrangements are entrusted to Clary Funeral Consultants in Peoria.