White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE – Joann “Jo” Esther Hayward, 87 years old, of Independence, IA, died of natural causes, Monday, June 16, 2025, at Prairie Hills Assisted Living in Independence.

Celebration of Life gathering will be 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., July 8, 2025, at the Crowbar in Independence, IA. Private inurnment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Joann was born February 26, 1938, at home in Jesup, IA, the daughter of Lewis Marsh and Florence (Hull) Marsh. She graduated from Jesup High School with the class of 1956. On September 23, 1956, she was united in marriage to Marvin Ocker Hayward in Jesup. They made their home in rural Independence where they raised their family. Joann worked in the laundry department at People's Memorial Hospital in Independence. She enjoyed spending time with family, playing cards, and fishing.

Joann is survived by her husband of 68 years, Marvin Hayward of Independence, IA; one daughter, Lorrie (Michael) Rasmussen of Rowley, IA; two sons, Dirk Hayward of Floral City, FL, and Brock (Luqueeta) Hayward of Hernando, FL; five grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; two brothers, Gilbert “Gil” (Cheryl) Marsh of Jesup, IA, and Lee (Rachel) Marsh of Woonsocket, RI; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Lewis Marsh, and Wilbur “Bud” Marsh; and five sisters, Rosalie Marsh (infancy), Winifred Shannon, Winona Marino, Harriette Strickel, and Margorie Marsh.

Condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com
White Funeral Home, Independence, IA is in charge of arrangements.