Joann Ruth Tomlinson

Joann Ruth Tomlinson of Caro, age 93, passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at McLaren Bay Region. Joann was born July 14, 1930 in Caro, the daughter of the late Reid and Ruth (Joslin) Thurston. She graduated from Caro High School and later went on to work at Schall Elementary School as Secretary for thirty-two years. Joann met Robert Tomlinson and they were married on December 15, 1948. They were blessed with forty-nine years of marriage and many cherished memories. She was a dedicated member of the Caro United Methodist Church. Throughout life, Joann enjoyed her flowers, playing cards with friends, crocheting, knitting, NASCAR, but most important to her were her family and friends. Living at Heritage Hill, they always said she had more visitors than anybody they had ever seen, which was a testament to the kind and loving woman she was. Joann appreciated each and every phone call and visit. Her legacy is one of faith, friendship, and love. Joann leaves behind cherished memories with all who knew her.

Joann leaves to cherish her memory her four children and their spouses, John & Mary Tomlinson, Barbara & Robert Ozbat, Carla & Richard Knowlton, and Charles & Laurel Tomlinson; grandchildren, Chad & Amy Tomlinson, Eric Tomlinson, Jason Ozbat, Christopher & Lauren Knowlton, Heather & Nicholas Lazzaro, and Haley Tomlinson; great-grandchildren, Myles Tomlinson, Elliot Tomlinson, Ian Tomlinson, Kate Tomlinson, Jack Tomlinson, Claire Tomlinson, Darrien Ozbat, Devlin Ozbat, Menah Hall, and Kora Lazzaro; and great-great-grandchildren, Mia Smith, Dylan Smith, Carlisle Ozbat, Asher Ozbat, Lincoln Hall, and Daxton Hall. In addition to her parents, Joann was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; step-mother, Martha Thurston; sister, Donna Thurston; grandson, Ryan Ozbat; and step-brother, Thomas Striffler.

In keeping with Joann’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held in the Fellowship Hall at the Caro United Methodist Church on Friday, December, 15, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. A lunch will be served at 12:00 p.m. A private interment will take place at the Indianfields Township Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Caro United Methodist Church or the Tuscola County Imagination Library. The family was assisted with these arrangements by the Ransford Collon Funeral Home of Caro. Friends may share memories, thoughts, and prayers online at www.RansfordCollon.com.