Joan Marjorie Frazier (Ruthenbeck)

Joan Frazier finished her run peacefully at the age of 69 on December 23, 2025 at Tennova Healthcare with her husband by her side. She had fallen ill and her four-year battle with cancer left her without the strength to fight the infection.

Joan was born November 25, 1956 to Fred and Jeanne Ruthenbeck in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Theatre and worked as a Scenic Artist throughout her professional life constructing scenery for shows ranging from Opryland to Alice Cooper. After retirement, she continued her artistic pursuits, becoming adept at stained glasswork and needle felting.

Joan was an accomplished whitewater canoe paddler reaching the level of ACA certified instructor in a time when there were few women in the sport. It was through whitewater paddling that she met her husband, a kayaker, on the rivers of the Appalachians. She also enjoyed wilderness camping, road trips throughout the U.S. and Canada, fishing and whatever would get her outside.

She was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, John Grobark; sister, Nancy Ruthenbeck; and brother, Marc Ruthenbeck. She is survived by her stepsister, Carol Grobark Dameron; partner, Jer Bowen; and son, Brian Dameron; many friends; a handful of “Trolls”; and her loving husband of 31 years, Jack Frazier.

The world is a better place because she was here. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Please visit Joan's tribute wall and share a memory with the family.