Z. Joan Lenz, age 79 of Smithshire, Illinois passed away at 5:44 p.m. Monday October 3, 2016 at Great River Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa. She was born May 28, 1937 in Elba Center, Illinois, the daughter of Harold and Zelda Bowman Heller. On November 22, 1958, she married Gerry W. Lenz at the Smithshire United Church.

Joan worked as a secretary for Media High School and later Southern Junior High School for 35 years, retiring in 1997. She enjoyed playing games and cards, and was a tremendous cook. She loved her family and living on the farm near Smithshire all of her adult life. She was a member of the Smithshire United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her husband, two daughters, JoEllen (Nick) Roark of Media, IL, Pam (Steve) Murphy of Monroe City, MO, one son Darryl (Jenny) Lenz of Smithshire, six grandchildren, Amanda (Doug) Smith, Nicole (B.J.) Nance, Melissa (Joe) Guenzel, Garrett (Elise) Lenz, Gerry (Bonnie) Roark, Donny (Cassandra) Murphy, fifteen great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, and one sister, Marilyn (Aldis) Vanders of Renton, WA. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, William Bill Heller.

The funeral service for Mrs. Lenz will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday October 7, 2016 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst, with Dan Ashton officiating. Burial will follow in the Biggsville Cemetery. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, where visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. A memorial fund has been established for the Smithshire United Methodist Church. Condolences may be left at banksandbeals.com.