Carol JoAnn Birtchman

JoAnn “Aunt Doe” Birtchman, 66, of Indianapolis, passed away on April 14, 2025, at Eskenazi Hospital. Born on April 29, 1958, in Indianapolis, JoAnn was the beloved heart of her family.

A graduate of Manual High School, JoAnn built a dedicated career—spending over 25 years as a data entry manager at Rytex, followed by 10 years as a claims processor at Allstate Insurance Company before retiring. Though she was hardworking and dependable in her professional life, her greatest role—and her greatest joy—was being the rock of her family.

She was a devoted mother to her twin daughters, Kasey (Nick) Ladig and Karla (Rodney) Huff, and the proud grandmother of Malorie, Braden, Brooklyn, Annabella, and Jaxson. Her love for each of them ran deep, personal, and unique.

With Kasey, she shared lessons in compassion, dedication, and empathy—gifts that helped shape her distinguished career as a nurse and leader. She also passed on her heart of service, which lives on in the way Kasey cares for others. She shared a love of the Lord and spirited political conversations with her son-in-law Nick, bonding over their deep convictions and humor.

With Karla, JoAnn passed down her love for cooking and her enthusiasm for sports—where she never missed a game and was always the loudest in the stands, cheering Karla on. She also nurtured Karla’s own heart for service, which continues to shine through in her work and aspirations. She and her son-in-law Rodney shared a bond over music and coffee—two things JoAnn adored.

As a grandmother, JoAnn made each grandchild feel uniquely cherished. She was Malorie’s best friend and closest companion—Malorie not only loved her, but cared for her in her later years, living together and sharing daily life. With Braden, she nurtured his tender heart, and also his sharp, dark sense of humor that always kept her laughing. She taught Annabella how to be silly and find joy in the everyday, she shared a love of reading and quiet moments with Brooklyn, and with Jaxson, she showed him just how loud and proud a grandma could cheer at a ballgame.

JoAnn's daughters and grandchildren witnessed her hard-working nature firsthand and were inspired by it. Her determination, resilience, and devotion to her family laid the foundation for their personal growth and values.

JoAnn was also known for adopting people as her own—whether friends of her children, extended family, or someone she met along the way, many knew her simply as a “second mom.” Her warmth, her listening ear, and her open heart created a sense of belonging wherever she went.

She is survived by her loving sister, Susie Doescher; her brothers Tim (Bonnie) Birtchman, Dan Birtchman, and Michael (Robyn) Birtchman; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins who adored their “Aunt Doe.”

JoAnn was a lifelong member of Olive Branch Christian Church, where her angelic voice was a regular blessing on Sunday mornings. At home, she was the one who never forgot a birthday—it simply wasn’t a birthday until you received your “Happy Birthday” phone call from her. It was her way of making everyone feel remembered, celebrated, and deeply loved.

She was happiest baking her famous cookies in her comfy “homey,” spending time with family, or simply being near the ocean, soaking in the peace she loved.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Ellen Krause, and her father, Edward Krause.

Funeral services will be held at Lauck & Veldhof Funeral Home, 1458 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. All who loved JoAnn are invited to celebrate a life full of warmth, laughter, and unwavering love.

To order flowers or leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.LauckFuneralHome.com

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