Joan Barth Obituary

Joan "Joni" Ann Barth, 85, of Danville, California passed away peacefully on August 24, 2023. Joni grew up in a loving home with her parents, Anna and Michael Katchmer, and her two sisters in Hazelton, Pennsylvania. Her father taught Joni how to draw and paint, and her mother nurtured a love for home and family. Her child and teen years often included helping with church restoration painting, and Joni became a talented artist. She attended Moore College of Art in Philadelphia and graduated with a Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design. After graduation, she moved to New York to work as an assistant to a well-known designer. Joni's talents in design provided her the opportunity to prepare runway shows, curate event wardrobes, and even model. While in New York, at a sunny Memorial Day barbeque, she caught Phil Barth's eye. He saw her beautiful smile as he helped himself to a big serving of her potato salad, and it was love at first sight. They shared many dates dancing, and the two wed in November 1962. After leaving New York, relocating to Louisiana, and then moving to Ohio, they started a family. Joni devoted herself to being an attentive and encouraging mother. Joni was filled with kindness and joy. She loved helping others and took the greatest pleasure in making people happy. Joni continued to be a talented artist and would sometimes stay awake all night designing and sewing a dress for her daughter or painting Christmas ornaments. She was a supportive and loving wife and mother. Whether it was a homemade strawberry shake, a foot rub, a perfectly ironed shirt, a game of dominos or a warm hug, she always let you know that she cared. There were frequent relocations for Phil's career, and Joni made friends easily wherever they lived. She volunteered at church - including council and secretary roles; kept score at Little League; continued to paint and draw; went back to work when her children were in school; and supported Phil and her children always. Joni is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Phil; children, Kim Rathbun and her husband Rich, Chris Barth and his wife Rachel; three grandchildren, Chloe Barth, Eddie Rathbun and Phil Rathbun; her sister; her sisters and brothers in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be missed by all. The funeral service will be held on September 8 at 10:00am at Hull's Walnut Creek Chapel, 1139 Saranap Avenue, Walnut Creek followed by a reception in the Club Room at Creekside in Rossmoor, 1010 Stanley Dollar Drive, Walnut Creek. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, the Dementia Society of America, or the charity of your choice in her honor.