Joan R. Evans

Joan R. Evans, 88, a resident of the Highlands at Wyomissing, formerly of Riverview Park, Muhlenberg Township, passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at Reading Hospital. For more than 50 years she was the wife of the late Edward W. “Skip” Evans, PhD, who passed away January 15, 2005. Born in West Reading, Joan was the daughter of the late Irvin and Caroline (Heck) Eshbach. She was a graduate of Wilson High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Education from Kutztown University. Joan was a Special Education Teacher in the Reading School District for 20 years until her retirement. She was a member of CrossWay Church in Mohnton. She is survived by her children Kathy L. Gyomber wife of James Gyomber of Akron, Lancaster County; Beth A. Evans of Atlanta, Georgia; Thomas E. Evans husband of Pearl Evans of Oley; John A. Evans husband of Cyndi Evans of Muhlenberg Township and her 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers David Eshbach husband of Sandra Eshbach of Sinking Spring and Timothy Eshbach of Port Clinton.

Joan was an amazing baker and cook and really enjoyed cooking for her family. Her famous saying was “just eat what you can” after completely loading up your plate with food. She had the gift of hospitality and was always entertaining and serving her family or friends from church. She hosted an annual Easter Egg Hunt at her house for 50 years where she would serve her famous sticky buns to all who attended, sometimes over 75 people. She was a faithful attendee of her children’s and grandchildren’s concerts, musicals, and sporting events. She enjoyed sitting on the beach and treated her family to two weeks in Ocean City, NJ every summer. Joan also enjoyed trips to Disney World; her favorite princess was Snow White. Music was a big part of her life; Joan sang as long as she can remember, sang alto in her church choir for many, many years, and played the piano. Joan was “Mom Mom” to more than just her grandchildren. She was generous beyond compare, and would give thoughtful gifts to the people in her life, especially children. A big sports fan, she enjoyed watching Michigan Football and Phillies baseball. She helped with Good News Club in the Reading School District, the Muhlenberg School District, Rosedale Camp Grove, and her own back yard.

Her impact through service and generosity will be greatly missed here on earth, but she will live forever in heaven because she knew Jesus as her Savior and Lord.

Funeral Service will be held at CrossWay Church, 85 Chateau Drive, Mohnton, PA 19540, Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 12:30 pm. Reverend Dr. Gregg Laskow will officiate. Interment will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park. The family will receive relatives and friends at CrossWay Church, Wednesday from 11:00 am to 12:15 pm. Contributions may be made to CrossWay Church at the above address in memory of Mrs. Joan R. Evans. Bean Funeral Home 1605 Rockland Street, Hampden Heights is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com