Joan Ellen (VanLoo) Wambaugh

Joan Ellen VanLoo Taylor Wambaugh, age 79, of Grand Haven, passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Trinity Health Grand Haven Hospital, from complications related to ALS. She was born on December 20, 1946, in Holland, MI, to the late Peter Clarence and Aleda (VanderHaagen) VanLoo. Joan married Russell Neal Wambaugh on December 1, 1984, in Fremont, MI. He preceded her in death on August 27, 2007, after 22 years of marriage.

Joan lived a life centered around family, simple joys, and the community she loved. She spent most of her life in Grand Haven, Michigan, a place that always held a special place in her heart. She was a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose presence touched many lives.

Joan enjoyed drawing, reading, watching crime dramas and murder mysteries, and playing internet games. She was also a devoted and proud cat mom to her beloved companion, Baby.

Joan leaves behind those who will forever cherish her memory which include her daughter and son-in-law, Brenda Taylor-Nielson and Russell Nielson; her daughter and son-in-law, Marjory and Michael Rios; her nine treasured grandchildren: Michelle Goodin, Brittany Carlson, Taylor Shannon, Melissa Goodin, Brianna Rios, Michael Rios, Christen Shannon, Riley Rios, and Russell Nielson III; three great-grandchildren: Juria Taylor Rios, Sophia Watkins, and Eleanor Carlson; and her brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Suzanne VanLoo.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Russell Wambaugh; and her former husband and father of her children, Robert James Taylor.

Joan will be remembered for her quiet strength, her love of family, her creativity, and the joy she found in life's simple pleasures. Her memory will live on in the stories shared, the lessons remembered, and the love she gave so freely to those around her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

Private family services will be held.

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