Josephine "Joann" Derby Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Josephine Ann "Joann" (Flahive) Derby, age 78 of Atlantic, formerly of Albia, passed away Saturday, February 14, 2015, at Exira Care Center in Exira. Joann was born on November 4, 1936, in Weller, Iowa to Bill and Mary Ann (Bingaman) Flahive. She attended school in Lovilia, Iowa and graduated from Lovilia High School in 1954. On January 12, 1957, she was married to Samuel L. Derby, who survives her. Joann and Sam lived in Albia, Iowa, and moved to Des Moines in 1968. Joann retired from National Traveler's Life Insurance in 2001. After retirement, they moved to Atlantic, Iowa. Joann always said that her greatest achievement was raising four great kids. She loved her family and was known by all for her chocolate chip cookies and no bake cookies. Joann was a life-long Democrat and was passionate about John and Jackie Kennedy. She enjoyed reading books and newspapers and watching the Sound of Music. She had a canasta club in Albia and loved to dance. Joann is survived by her husband, Sam; her children, Rick (Barb) Derby, Randy (Bev) Derby, Sandy (Jerry) Olson, and Shelly (Rod) Clausen; nine grandchildren, Jacob, Luke (Alex), Jason (Megan), Megan (Josh), Valerie (Justin), Logan, Jared, Monica, and Laura; and two great-grandchildren, Conner and Joey Ann. She is also survived by six sisters, Mary Theresa Grimes, Marge (Edward) Martin, Geraldine Grimes, Florence (Donald) Welch, Catherine (Jack) Thomas, and Delores Littlejohn; and a brother, James (Diane) Flahive. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Mary Flahive; two sisters, Madeline Stanley and Bernice Flattery; and three brothers, Ed, Bill, and John Flahive. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 19, 2015 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia, with Father Michael E. Volkmer, C.PP.S. officiating. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Joann's family present throughout the day and evening. A 4:00 p.m. rosary will be led by the Altar and Rosary society and a wake service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to Exira Care Center at 409 South Carthage Exira, Iowa 50076.

Josephine "Joann" Derby

November 4, 1936 - February 14, 2015