JoAnn (Clapper) Zearley Waller

JoAnn (Clapper) Zearley Waller, 90, of Massillon, Ohio, passed away peacefully at Danbury Senior Living in Massillon Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Born on July 5, 1935, to Joseph and Almeda (Stansberger) Clapper JoAnn was raised in Massillon and attended Washington High School. She married Clarence W. "Bud" Zearley in 1952, and during his U.S. Army service they lived in San Francisco. Upon returning to Massillon, they made their home in the Richville area, where JoAnn devoted herself to raising her family before later beginning a career outside the home.

She was employed by Ohio Power/American Electric Power (AEP) for 21 years, retiring in 1998. In retirement, JoAnn had a generous spirit and found joy in volunteering at the floral department in Mercy Medical Center where she created beautiful arrangements sold in the hospital gift shop.

After the loss of her first husband, she met and married William R. Waller in 1980.

Together they shared many happy years entertaining friends, playing cards, and traveling to destinations such as Alaska, Spain, and the Dominican Republic.

William preceded her in death in 2023.

JoAnn will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her son, Richard (Nancy) Zearley; her daughter, Linda (Richard) Powell; stepsons Renso (Cynthia) Waller, William "Rich" (Kimaura) Waller, Steven James Waller, and Joseph Daniel Waller; along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Dorothy Medure and Margaret Medure; stepsons David W. Waller and Christopher S. Waller.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to CorsoCare Hospice and Danbury Senior Living Massillon for the kindness, comfort, and attentive care they provided to their mother.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, February 28th, 2026 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon. A Celebration of Life will foillow at a nearby location (to be announced). Per JoAnn's wishes, a private graveside service at Sunset Hills Memory Gardens will be held at a later date.

To share a memory of JoAnn or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit the online guestbook.