WAVA “Joan” GREGG

Wava “Joan” Gregg, age 91, of Batavia, formerly of Elburn, IL and Pratt, KS, passed away peacefully at Michaelsen Healthcare Center, Batavia, IL, Sunday, April 30, 2023, only to wake in a celestial reunion with her beloved husband Charles.

She was born December 30, 1931, in Pratt, KS, to loving parents, David and Faye Hollond.

Joan grew up in Pratt and attended local schools. She graduated from Pratt High School.

Fate brought Charles Gregg to Pratt, KS as a part of his job, but really it was to meet Joan. Three years was all it took for a friendship to lead to a lifetime of love. They were united in marriage on October 20, 1962. Charles and Joan spent their lives moving from place to place while he was working for Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company. Each house became a home when Joan and Charles stepped over the threshold. In 1963, Joan and Charles moved to Bluffton, IN where shortly after they were blessed with their first daughter, Kathy. They lived in Bluffton, IN until 1965 and then moved to Perrysburg, OH where they were blessed with another daughter, Deanna, which was when their little family of travelers was complete. From Perrysburg, OH they moved to Howell, MI, then to Chatham, IL, Indianapolis, IN, and Pinkney, MI. They lived in Pinkney, MI from 1991 to 1996 where Charles retired after 41 years of service through the Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company. After retiring, Charles and Joan moved to make their new home in Roaring Gap, NC.  They lived there from 1996 to 2005. With the birth of their first and only granddaughter Bailey Kathryn Cates, one more move was all they needed, settling in Elburn, IL.

Joan worked as a hairdresser for a time before working as a dental assistant, but her real job began when she was blessed with her two daughters. It was more than a full-time job, but one that she took to with love, attention, and enthusiasm, watching her daughters grow into their own (and keeping Charles in check to boot).

Joan had a teddy bear collection that put to shame all comers. The large assortment graced the walls and halls of each home, but her joy for all things teddy bear paled in comparison to her love of family, especially her beloved granddaughter Bailey. Joan sat with rapt anticipation at each concert in which Bailey played, lavishing praise and basking in the pride of such an accomplished granddaughter. No one can take away the cherished memories they made with Joan, as they live on in the hearts of all who knew her.  

She now leaves two daughters: Kathryn (Herbert) Moeckel and Deanna (Robert) Cates; a granddaughter: Bailey Kathryn Cates and two nieces, Dianne (Scott) Blary and Susan Orsted.

After reunited with her husband, Charles, Joan also joins her parents, D.J. and Faye Hollond; two brothers, Bill and Bob Hollond; and one nephew David Hollond, who preceded her in death.

Private services have already been held.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://act.alz.org. Memories and tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.