Esther “Joan” Townsley

March 1, 2021

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Esther “Joan” Townsley, 84, of Frankfort, passed away March 1, 2021 at Majestic Care of West Allen in Ft. Wayne, Ind.  She was born on October 16, 1936 in Crawfordsville to Emery Vern and Ruth Mildred (Hinkle) Monroe.  She married Jerry Lee Townsley on August 12, 1953 in Crawfordsville and he preceded her in death in 1995.

Joan attended Crawfordsville High School and had worked for Peter Paul and Federal Mogul in Frankfort.  She and her son, Kevin, were co-owners of Sugar Shack, Mr. Beef, and Hawaiian Shave Ice with Food.  She was a member of Michigantown Christian Church and enjoyed cooking.

Visitation and Services

Visitation will be held at 11 a.m. -1 p.m. Thursday, March 4, 2021 at Archer-Weston Funeral & Cremation Center, 501 East Clinton Street, Frankfort. Funeral services will begin a 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Green Lawn Memorial Park, Frankfort. Out of respect for the health, safety, and comfort of all in attendance, guests will be expected to adhere to current CDC guidelines regarding appropriate social distancing and the wearing of masks. Memorial donations may be made in Joan’s honor to Michigantown Christian Church, 108 West 2nd Street, Michigantown, IN 46057.

Survived by:

Daughters: Connie Mounts of Frankfort, Patty Wilcox of Frankfort, Sons: Dennis (Crystal) Townsley of Frankfort, Kevin (Jamie) Townsley of Frankfort, Sister: Judy (Dan) Welliever of New Market, IN, Brother: Vern (Deloris) Monroe of Danville, Sister-in-law: Nancy Monroe of Crawfordsville, 8 Grandchildren, Mattie (Josh) Lee, Mason (Alissa) Townsley, James (Sarah) Townsley, Brandon Townsley, Andrew Townsley, Kimberly Freeman, Jennifer (Christian) Cantu, Josh (Erin Wyrick) Mounts and 5 Great-Grandchildren, Cohen Lee, Zachary Townsley, Amy Sato, Emma Sato and Adrick Mounts.

Preceded by:

Her parents, husband, and her brothers, Jimmy Monroe, Billy King and Dick King, sister, Betty Zachary and 2 stillborn infants.

Memorial Video

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Condolences

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21 Condolences for “Esther “Joan” Townsley”

  1. Rena Little March 2, 2021 at 12:31 pm

    Kevin,
    I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. You two did some great things together. My prayers and condolences to your family.

    Reply
  2. Cindy Weida Reeder March 2, 2021 at 4:19 pm

    To Joan’s family, Our condolences go out to everyone. We lived down the street from you and have fond memories of that time on our lives. Our hearts and prayers go out to all that God will wrap his comforting arms around you and give you peace at this difficult time.
    Mabel Weida and Cindy Reeder

    Reply
  3. Sandee Pickard March 2, 2021 at 4:52 pm

    Connie and Josh: So sorry for your loss. I worked with Joan at Walmart and with Jerry at Mac’s. Hugs and prayers for you and your family.

    Reply
  4. Sharon Albaugh March 2, 2021 at 5:26 pm

    Judy & Dan and family, So sorry to learn that Joan has passed. You all will be remembered in my prayers
    I go to Kevin’s when I am in Frankfort for his hamburger and fries, oh so good!

    Reply
  5. Jerry and Cindy kelly March 2, 2021 at 6:06 pm

    We are sorry for your loss. We send our condolences to the family❤️

    Reply
  6. Brenda Carson March 2, 2021 at 7:04 pm

    Kevin & Family, So very sorry to hear the loss of Joan! All my thoughts and prayes for everyone! Love Ya Brenda Carson

    Reply
  7. Adam Kirby March 2, 2021 at 9:35 pm

    Kevin…Roger and I would like to offer our condolences. We will keep you in our thoughts and say a prayer for you and your family.

    Reply
  8. Pat Laughner March 3, 2021 at 6:02 am

    Jenny and family….
    Was so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved grandma. She was a very sweet lady and will be missed. Hugs and prayers for the days ahead.

    Reply
    • Jennifer Cantu March 6, 2021 at 9:53 am

      Thankyou so much for your thoughts and prayers for my grandmother and family. We all appreciate it and I’m sure she’s also grateful for them as well. She most definitely will never be forgotten as she touched so many lives. ♡

      Reply
  9. Heather Mckinzie March 3, 2021 at 9:00 am

    So sorry to hear of Joan’s passing! My first job was at Sugar Shack when I was 13 and she taught me a lot about work ethic. Thinking of her family.

    Reply
  10. Donna Johnson March 3, 2021 at 9:17 am

    Kevin, Dennis, Patty, and Connie,

    I’m so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. She was a spry and sassy, funny lady with a heart of gold. I truly loved working with her (and your dad)at both Sugar Shack locations when I was in high school and college. There was never a dull moment. I have many fond memories from my very first job and the advice given to me by your mom.

    My condolences to you and your entire families. Hugs and prayers.

    Donna Johnson

    Reply
  11. Mildred A Keaton March 3, 2021 at 1:50 pm

    So sorry. I can’t be there, but you’re in my prayers.

    Reply
  12. Judy Mathews March 3, 2021 at 3:19 pm

    Connie and family so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and family.

    Reply
  13. Martha Fairfield March 3, 2021 at 6:25 pm

    Im so sorry to here joan passed she taught me so much and was very good to me my thoughts and prayer will be with all her family so sorry Kevin i know she will be greatly missed by you my thoughts are with you.

    Reply
  14. Alexis Lonsberry March 3, 2021 at 9:48 pm

    Dennis, Crystal and Family:
    I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Spent many holidays over the course of my high school years at this wonderful woman’s house. Later on in life I ended up taking care of her few a month or so and its sad to see her leave this world, but she’s in a better place. She put a smile on my face many times and the laughs we had together were priceless. She’ll defiantly be missed!!
    You have my condolences.
    Hugs to your family ❤

    Reply
  15. Ron & Erilda Coleman March 4, 2021 at 5:34 am

    Dear Family,
    So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. She was a dear & sweet lady. Knew your Mom when she worked at Peter Paul & National Seal. Prayers of comfort & peace for you and your families. God Bless – Ron & Erilda – Foley, AL

    Reply
  16. Susie Plunkitt March 4, 2021 at 9:49 am

    So sorry about the loss of your mom, Kevin. I didn’t know until just this morning. Praying for peace. Susie

    Reply
  17. Joy Stevens March 4, 2021 at 2:58 pm

    Patty… Love and Prayers to you and your family…Miss seeing you… Give grandbabies a hug

    Reply
  18. Rita York March 7, 2021 at 10:19 pm

    I’m so very sorry for your loss!! My thoughts and prayers are with you!!

    Reply
  19. Terri March 12, 2021 at 12:34 pm

    Kevin, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother, you will be in my thoughts and prayers

    Reply
  20. Ken Walters March 18, 2021 at 12:49 pm

    Kevin & Dennis, I am so sorry that I just found out about the loss of your Mom. May you all have grace and peace.

    Reply

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