Joan (McClaren) Blackwell, 90, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, at Liberty Village of Centralia in Centralia, Illinois.
Joan was born on October 31, 1935, to Ira and Lola G. (Hutson) Wilkey in Centralia, Illinois.
She never needed an excuse to dress up. An avid high-heel wearer, she believed life was better when you faced it standing tall and looking good doing it. Wednesday nights were sacred. Quarter Bingo wasn’t just a game-it was an event. She loved the thrill of it, the laughter around the table, and the friendships that grew stronger with every round called.
She was a proud and faithful fan of the Chicago Cubs, cheering them on through every season with unwavering loyalty. Cards were another story. She loved to play, but she absolutely hated to lose. She was a sore loser by her own admission. Joan wore her competitive spirit on her sleeve and everyone who played with her knew it came from a place of fun and fire. The laughter that followed was always worth it.
She treasured her friendships with Gail, Judy, Kathy, Barb, Carol, Tony, and Violet. Each of these friends held a special place in her life story. Together, they shared countless memories, conversations, games, and laughter that will live on in their hearts.
More than anything, she will be remembered for her spirit: bold, competitive, stylish, musical, and deeply loving. She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, loyalty, and friendships that will continue to echo long after the last bingo number is called.
She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.
She is preceded in death by one son, Mark McClaren of Centralia, IL; six siblings, Bud Wilkey of Centralia, IL, Bob Wilkey of Centralia, IL, Fern Marshall, Thelma Marshall, Duckie Smith, and Kay Brown; and a special niece, Beverly Kirgan.
She is survived by four children, Mitchell (Sandy) McClaren of Hoffman, IL, Brenda (Dale) Hayes of Centralia, IL, Kimberly (Daniel) McClaren-Hastings of St. Louis, MO, and Steve (Kim) McClaren of Centralia, IL; ten grandchildren, Jason (Sherrie) McClaren of Watertown, WI, Michelle (David) Oaks of Princeton, IL, Steve McClaren of Centralia, IL, Eric McClaren of Hoffman, IL, Rebecca (Jason) Corrie of Odin, IL, Selina (Tony) Quillman of Centralia, IL, Joe (Leanne) Hayes of Centralia, IL, Shelly (Jacob) Schnur of Centralia, IL, Joshua Hastings of St. Louis, MO, and Maya Hastings of St. Louis, MO; and her Great grandson, Nathan McCLaren of Watertown, WI, Great grandson Samuel of Watertown, WI, Great grandson Jordan Oaks of Salem, IL, Great grandson Konnor McClaren of Hoffman, IL, Great grandson Matthew Corrie of Odin, IL, Great grandson Brantley Corrie of Odin, IL, Great granddaughter Elizabeth (Kyle) Quillman (soon-to-be Hess) of Centralia, IL, Great granddaughter Ashley (Austin) Atchison of TN, Great great grandson Eli Atchison of TN, Great great grandson Ollie Quillman of Centralia, IL, Great grandson Dylan Hayes of Centralia, Illinois, Great granddaughter Kaitlyn Hayes of Centralia, IL, Great grandson Keagan Sheckles of Centralia, IL, Great grandson Jude Sheckels of Centralia, IL,
A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 14th, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home with Tom & Belinda Rigs officiating. Burial will take place at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Orchardville, Illinois.
Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home in Centralia is honored to have been called to serve the family. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.maxtonrosado.com or call 618-532-7321 for more information.
