Rita Joan “Joni” Hathaway, 82, North Webster, passed away at 6:35 p.m. Feb. 23, 2017, in Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw. She was born Aug. 28, 1934, in Elwood, to Bert and Catherine Reese Phillips. A North Webster resident, she was formerly of Warsaw. She was united in marriage to Loyal Hathaway, who preceded her. She was a purchasing agent for DePuy Inc. and attended the Church of God, North Webster. She loved spending time with her family, especially while boating and fishing. In addition, she loved to travel and spent many winter months in Florida. Shopping was her favorite hobby, but she also enjoyed playing cards, reading, traveling and attending car shows, and was an avid NASCAR fan. She had a very special place in her heart for her two dogs, Suzie and Daisy. She always had a smile that would light up the room. Survivors include a daughter, Valerie Israel, Kingman, Ariz.; a son, Michael Israel, Warsaw; a stepson, Kim (spouse Karen) Hathaway, Hoagland; stepdaughters, Pamela Hathaway-Cox and Cindy Hathaway, both of Warsaw; a sister, Patricia DeMasi, Greenwood; grandchildren: Michelle (spouse Jason) Rush, Kokomo; Heather Blassingame, Indianapolis; Breanne (spouse Dustin) Lawson, Kokomo; Angela Cox, Linzy Cox, Jennifer Hathaway, Adrianne Hathaway and Justin Hathaway, all of Warsaw; and Logan Hathaway Fort Bragg, N.C. Also, a 30-year companion, Ron Clemons, survives. In addition to Loyal, she was preceded by a daughter, Debra Israel; brothers Gene and George Phillips; and sisters Alberta Vest and Vivian Hobson. Calling will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, with funeral services to follow at noon, in McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. Chaplain Bob Jarboe will officiate, with interment in Oakwood Cemetery. ***** Memorials to Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund, 2170 North Pointe Drive, Warsaw, IN 46580. To sign the guest register or leave condolences electronically, go to mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com.
