JOANNE MOATS, age 84 of Portage, passed away Thursday, January 11, 2018 while surrounded by her loving family.  She was born Barbara Joanne Watts on September 4, 1933 in Thomaston, GA.  Joanne worked as an administrative assistant in nuclear medicine at Gary Methodist Northlake and Southlake campuses.  She was a faithful member of Barrington Ridge Baptist church in Hobart and her King, the Lord Jesus Christ.  She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

She is survived by her son, Mark (Leslie) Moats, Portage, daughter, Andi Moats-Gatcombe, Portage; 4 grandchildren, Erica (John McDaniel) Moats, FL, Katie Moats, Elkhart, Zachary (Karla) Gatcombe, and Kevin Gatcombe, AZ; cherished great grandchildren, Jocelyn, Jayden, and Jordyn Gatcombe, AZ, Marisol Barajas, IN, Hannah, Dustin, Madison, and Emily McDaniel, FL; 2 sisters, Patricia "Ruth" Petro of Lawrenceville, GA and Pansy Helms of Jacksonville, FL; as well as beloved nieces and nephews.

Joanne was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Charles Edward Moats; infant son, Derrick Charles Moats; her parents, Edith and Samuel Watts of GA; 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

Visitation for Joanne will be Thursday, January 18, 2018 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd. Funeral services will be at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel on Friday, January 19, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. officiated by Pastor Mitch Whidden of KY.  Burial will follow at McCool Cemetery, 2700 McCool Rd., Portage.  All are welcome to a memorial luncheon at Barrington Ridge Baptist Church, 97 Bracken Pkwy, Hobart, IN at 1:00 p.m.   For information please call (219) 942-2109 or go online www.reesfuneralhomes.com to extend condolences.