Cherry Valley, ILJoan Knox (Purvis) Ronk, 91 of Cherry Valley, IL died peacefully, Tuesday evening December 6, 2011, with her family present loving her into the Heavenly Kingdom, in Peterson Meadows Retirement Community where she resided the last three years. Joan lived most of her life in Cherry Valley, IL and time was divided between Cherry Valley, Stone Lake, WI and North Fort Meyers, FL. Joan was born January 15, 1920 in Belvidere, IL the daughter of R.T. (Reverie) and Myrtle (Vincent) Knox. She married Samuel A. Purvis on September 25, 1948 in the Episcopal Church in Belvidere, IL. Samuel died in 1953, she then married Verne J. Ronk on March 1, 1960 in the Episcopal Church in Belvidere. Verne died on July 12, 1992. Joan was a Co-owner of Knox Motor Service until her retirement in 1979. She graduated from Belvidere High School where she enjoyed being a member of the school band and acting in school plays. She graduated from Rockford Business College and was a life long member of the Episcopal Church. Joan was a founding member of Willing Workers Circle of Cherry Valley United Methodist Church and a Past Worthy Matron of Cherry Valley Chapter #478 of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she was a 50 plus year member. Other memberships included Daughters of the Nile - Alabet Temple and singing with the Sweet Adeline's. Joan headed Cherry Valley Community Chest for over 15 years from its origination. She loved spending time at her cottage on Stone Lake, WI, enjoyed watching the Loons and Eagles, and after retirement she wintered in North Fort Meyers, FL.Joan is loved and will be missed by her children, Arthur (Pat) Purvis and Jan (Don K.) Bentley; grandchildren Kari (Larry) Eschew, Don H. (Sandy) and Bryantt (Jenn) Bentley; great-grandchildren Sam Eric Eskew, Carter, Kenedy and Madison Bentley; sisters in-law Helen Knox of Rockford and Pat Knox of Vero Beach, FL. Joan is predeceased by her parents, both husbands and two brothers, Vincent and Wendell Knox.Joan's family acknowledges the Hospice Care of America as well as the care givers of In Touch for the loving care given to Joan.

Memorials can be made to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, N8571 County Highway M, Springbrook, WI 54875.