Joanne Hiner

SALEM – Funeral services will be held at Noon on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the Salem First Methodist Church for Richard and Joanne (Crawford) Hiner who both entered the gates of heaven, holding hands, to meet the Lord together on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Richard was born on April 2, 1937, in Goshen Township in Mahoning County, the loving son of Albert B, and Helen (Keck) Hiner. He was a graduate of Greenford High School, class of 1955. He loved his school years playing basketball and baseball. He worked for Stahl – Dyke during his high school years, always on a tractor. After graduation he went to work for Deming Pump. On July 7, 1956, Richard married the love of his life and his high school sweetheart, Joanne Crawford at the Salem First Methodist Church.

Joanne was born on February 6, 1935, in Ellsworth Township, Mahoning County, the kind and caring daughter of Ralph W. and Eleanor (Thomas) Crawford. She spent her youth in Winona, and Phoenix, AZ, returning to Greenford and graduating from Greenford High School, the class of 1953. Upon graduation she went to work at Mullins Manufacturing in the payroll department.

Following his career path, in 1960 Richard and Joanne moved to Rogers, Arkansas for the Deming Company. After a short stay there, the family returned to Salem and Richard would take a job with Hunt Valve and a few years later with Sancap Liner in Alliance where he retired in 2004. Family and community were the cornerstone of their lives. Joanne and Richard raised their children in the Salem area. Richard and Joanne leave three children to cherish their memory; Richard (Debbie) Hiner of Centennial, Co., Valerie (Michael) Donlon of Austintown, and Grant (Darla) Hiner of Dublin, as well as six grandchildren, Richard (Katie) Hiner, Julie Hiner, Kyle Hiner, all of Centenial, Co.,  Josh Donlon of Orlando, Fl.,  Jessica (Louis) Lee of Stow, and Ian Hiner of Dublin, and three great-grandchildren, Noah Hiner, Liam Hiner, Harrison Lee and another one on the way.

Their faith played an important part in Richard and Joanne’s life. Their family were members of Salem First Methodist Church, where Richard was head of the usher's team for many years, while Joanne taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and was a greeter for many years.

Richard loved sports. He played volleyball, tennis, ping pong, pickleball, and he also worked out almost every day. They were both always ready for a challenge with the grandchildren at the card table or anyone else that would like to play. Joanne loved spending time with the grandchildren teaching them many things in the kitchen. Both Richard and Joanne enjoyed traveling to Colorado and spending their winters in Florida.

Joanne and Richard’s lives were a testament to the power of kindness, caring and faith. They were the ROCK of the entire Hiner family. The love they shared for each other and their family and friends remains the strength that holds the family up during this difficult time. The unforgettable memories left behind by their lives well lived will leave an impact in a special place in the hearts of all who knew them.

Besides their children and grandchildren, Richard is survived by two sisters, Marge Garland of Newton Falls and Kathy (David) Chizmar of Greenford, and sister-in-law, Martha Hiner of Greenford. Both also leave many nieces and nephews to cherish their memory.

Richard and Joanne were preceded in death by their parents, Albert and Helen Hiner and Ralph and Eleanor Crawford, as well as Joanne’s two brothers, Dwain and Lavern Crawford and Richard’s brothers, Raymond Hiner and Dave Hiner; and sister, Virgina and her husband, Eldon Helmick and their son, Mark Helmick.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, at the Salem First Methodist Church where services will begin at Noon. Richard loved red and Joanne loved anything purple or floral. In honor of them feel free to wear those colors while attending the service. They led a great life and we want to celebrate them.

If unable to attend, you may show your support by joining our complimentary "Hugs from Home" program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

To view Joanne and Richard's obituary, send condolences or order flowers, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

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