Our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Charlotte JoAn Kercher, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas, at the age of 92. Charlotte’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and dedication to God. Until the end, JoAn maintained her kindness, grace, compassion, appreciation of beauty, and devotion to our Lord. She expressed gratitude for her long life and wonderful and varied experiences as a devoted military wife and loving mother. She was the heart of our home and family. Charlotte JoAn (Rose) Kercher was born March 23, 1932, to Alice and Elza W. Rose of Jackson, Michigan. While she was an only child, she had close relationships with her many cousins. Her husband Richard (retired Air Force) and she were long-time Bossier City, LA residents. In 2019, JoAn moved to Fort Worth, TX to be closer to her daughter. After graduating high school, JoAn worked as a telephone operator and was transferred to Denver, Colorado. There, a friend introduced her to Richard, whom she later married. They shared over four decades of adventure and steadfast devotion until Richard’s passing in 1999. Together they raised two children, Kit and Karel. The family had countless adventures over the years, traveling and living abroad. No matter where Richard’s tour of duty took him, his “girls” followed. JoAn’s talent for creating a warm and welcoming home, even in the remotest of places, left an impression on the many friends and soldiers stationed far from home, who were always welcome for a visit and a homecooked meal. The crowning glory for JoAn was the arrival of grandchildren: Twins, Jason, and Jamey Nuss. She was a proud grandmother, finding immense joy in her grandchildren’s accomplishments and milestones. JoAn was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family, church, and community. Her generosity and genuine care for others made her a cherished friend and neighbor. During her time, at Mirabella in Fort Worth, her door was always open to new friends and welcomed visitors with chocolate, treats, and an encouraging word. Even in her frail moments toward the end of her life, she easily formed friendships and quickly became a favorite of the caregiving staff. Our family expresses heartfelt gratitude to everyone who cared for JoAn. We will be forever grateful for the unwavering support and kindness shown. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alice and Elza Rose; her husband, Richard Karl Kercher, and daughter Kit Nuss Schindler. She is survived by a daughter, Laureen Karel Rucker, and son-in-law Calvin Rucker (of Fort Worth, TX); son-in-law William Schindler (of Santa Fe, NM); grandchildren Jason (Kristen) Nuss (of Los Angeles, CA) and Jamey Nuss (of San Diego, CA) and several nieces, nephew, and cousins. JoAn was known for her wit and kind heart. At JoAn’s request, there will be no services, but before she passed, she made it known she wanted us all to share a personal memory and raise a glass in celebration of her long-awaited journey to her heavenly home. She will be laid to rest alongside Richard Karl Kercher, at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington DC. The details of the internment are not known currently. Instead of flowers, at JoAn’s request, please consider remembering her with a donation to the global Christian humanitarian organization World Vision www.wvi.org or the Hospice Foundation of America https://hospicefoundation.org. In memory of my beloved Mother who will be deeply missed but not forgotten. Proverbs 31:25-28 / New International Version 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
