JoAnn Rike

JoAnn Rike, 92 years old, a longtime resident of Martinsville, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, October 8th, 2025, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Mooresville, Indiana after a short illness. Her life began Thursday, August 31st, 1933, in Hazelwood, Indiana when she was born to the late George and Norene (Hayden) Thompson.

Even though she was born in Hazelwood, Indiana, she was raised in Centerton where she proudly lived for 87 years. She was a dedicated homemaker, mother, wife, and grandmother most of her life. JoAnn was an avid animal lover; she especially loved dogs and adored and missed her own two dogs, Dinky and Fudley. Known by many to be very self-sacrificing, she would often help others that could not afford to care for their own dogs, paying for their care with her own money and taking in and caring for stray dogs. She also enjoyed mushroom hunting, gathering walnuts and had a passion for reading.

She married Cleo Wayne Rike on September 23, 1950, sadly he preceded her in death on June 23, 1997. Left behind to cherish her memory are two daughters, Pam Rike and Jeannie Rike, both of Martinsville, one brother, Melvin Thompson (wife, Wanda) of Martinsville, grandson, Jessie Wayne Brooks, granddaughter, Sara Beth Brooks and great grandchildren, Greg Gibson and Jayden Brooks. In addition to being preceded in death by her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by one son, Phillip Wayne Rike and one brother, Merle Thompson and great granddaughter, Whitney Brooks.

Family and friends are invited to a graveside service celebrating her life to begin at 1:00 pm Monday, October 13th, 2025, at Centerton Cemetery in Martinsville, Indiana. There will be no visitation.

Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.nealandsummers.com.