Joanne Frances Fritz Hardin, 67, of De Leon, won her courageous eleven-year battle with cancer and met Jesus face to face Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Her loving family was by her side as she peacefully passed from this life. She was born December 24, 1953, in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to Martin Frank Fritz and Vera Ann Kara Fritz. Joanne married Danny Joe Hardin June 4, 1972, at the Assembly of God Church, De Leon.

Joanne lived in the De Leon community most all her life. She was a proud De Leon High School Graduate Class of 1972. She was a longtime, faithful member of De Leon Assembly of God Church. Danny and Joanne raised their family in De Leon and have always loved being part of the De Leon community. Joanne was employed with the United States Postal Service for over thirty-five years. She was such a cheerful face that would welcome customers into the De Leon Post Office daily, always sincerely asking how they were and sharing her contagious laugh. Joanne was always ready and willing to help others in need, even when her health was declining. She was genuine, kind, devoted, loyal, and inspiring to so many.

Joanne enjoyed many hobbies including raising chickens, and any other animal needing a home. She loved horses and spending time outdoors. Her greatest joy in life was her large family. She was a devoted wife to Danny, a selfless and committed mother to her five children, a loving sister and sister-in-law, and a supportive aunt to many. She was a special Nana to her twelve grandchildren, each having a very special connection with her. Joanne was sure to be in the stands at most all sporting events and school activities to support her grandchildren and all the De Leon youth. She lived a life full of laughter, love, and generosity. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Joanne is survived by her children, Kellie Sparger and husband, Matt, Karrie Kubiak and husband, Wayne, Kimberly Smith and husband, Joshua, Kandie Hodges, and Klinton Hardin; twelve grandchildren; five great-grandchildren (three of them on the way); brothers, Otto Fritz and wife, Melanie, Marty Fritz and wife, Karen, and Ronnie Fritz and wife, Christy;  brothers-in-law, Donny Hardin and wife, Melinda, Rocky Hardin and wife, Tracey, and Jimmy Farley and wife, Martha; sisters-in-law, Glenda Weaver and husband, Bodie, and Karen Sharp and husband, Boyd; numerous nieces and nephews; and other extended family. Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, Danny Joe Hardin (2018); parents, Martin and Vera Fritz; and parents-in-law, Loyd and Vivian Hardin; and sister-in-law, Sis Farley.

Funeral services celebrating Joanne's life were held Sunday, July 25, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. at De Leon First Baptist Church with Jim Farley and Rocky Hardin speaking. Graveside committal followed in De Leon Cemetery with Pastor Munter officiating. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Assembly of God Church, De Leon, to the American Cancer Society, or to the De Leon Volunteer Fire Department, in memory of Joanne.