Joan Huffstetler Eslick, who was 70 years old, passed away on April 17, 2022 after a short illness.

In attendance were several members of her extended family and her good friend, Nancy Hall. Born on September 26th, 1951, Joan is preceded in death by her father, Howard Leonard Huffstetler, her mother, Geneva Moore Huffstetler, her sister, Nancy Huffstetler Collins, her brother, Leonard Moore Huffstetler, and her husband, John Eslick. She is survived by her brothers, Richard Dean Huffstetler and Edward Wright Huffstetler, along with a number of beloved nieces and nephews and their extended families.

As a young child, Joan contracted polio and spent the first decade of her life in and out of orthopedic hospitals, having many operations and going through hours of therapy in order to walk without braces or other apparatuses, something she was able to do for many years. Unfortunately, she suffered later in life from post-polio syndrome and eventually lost her ability to walk. Nevertheless, she remained a positive person throughout her life, someone willing to take on new challenges, face those challenges with determination and grit, and do it all with a smile on her face. After graduating from Shelby High School, class of 1969, she briefly attended Cleveland County Technical College. Later in life, she enrolled in an online undergraduate program in paralegal studies at Kaplan University, earning her B.S. degree in 2008. She then continued her studies, earning a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Bowling Green State University in 2012.

One highlight of Joan's life was her association with Canine Companions of America, an organization supplying service dogs to those in need. Joan was fortunate to have her black Labrador, Benisa, as a beloved companion and helpmate for many years through that program. She was selected for consideration and attended extensive training in California prior to placement. Benisa proved to be a wonderful asset in Joan's life, as well as a valued and loved member of the family.

Joan was a very special person whose life touched everyone who knew her. She loved stories; she loved her family and friends, and she loved to laugh. She will be sorely missed. The family intends to hold a private service for her in the coming weeks. Those wishing to send flowers or other tributes are encouraged instead to donate in her name to Canine Companions of America.