Joan Val Wolffer (née Christ)

Joan Val Wolffer (née Christ), lovingly known as Joan, passed away on October 6, 2025, after a courageous journey with dementia. She was 83 years old.

Born on February 13, 1942, in Buffalo, New York, Joan was the daughter of the late Howard G. Christ and Florence L. Christ. She grew up with her beloved brother, the late Howard L. Christ, and her cherished sister, Kina McCard.

Joan married the love of her life, Kenneth Wolffer, and together they shared 65 beautiful years of marriage. They made their home in Cheektowaga, New York, where they raised their two daughters, Val (Scott) Nelson and Laura (Ken) Rutt. In 1984, Joan and Ken relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, where they embraced the desert landscape and joyfully welcomed visiting friends and family.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Joan’s heart belonged to her family. Her grandsons—Dane (Valerie) Nilsson, Brent (Martha) Nelson, and Wyatt (Skyleigh) Rutt—were the light of her life. She never missed a chance to celebrate their milestones.  She lit up and found immense joy in her young great-grandsons, Soren and Anders.

Joan had a vibrant and adventurous spirit. In the 1970s, she embarked on a solo journey to Hong Kong, a testament to her independence and curiosity. Later in life, she learned to play the steel drums and performed with the Desert Winds Community Steel Orchestra, even appearing at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon.

She will be remembered for her wit, creativity, loyalty, and boundless compassion. Joan was the kind of person who would stop to help a stranger on the side of the road without hesitation. Her presence brought warmth and strength to those around her.

Joan’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her. We will carry our precious memories of her in our broken hearts forever.

Memorial contributions in Joan’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause close to her heart.

“Say not in grief ‘she is no more’ but live in thankfulness that she was.” —Hebrew Proverb