Joan Emily Harkleroad

Joan Emily (Reeder) Harkleroad, 86, of Bedford, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at UPMC Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh surrounded by her family. She was born on September 19, 1939 in Bedford, a daughter of the late Stanley N. and Naomi E. (Zembower) Reeder. On August 27, 1960 in Centerville, she married William F. Harkleroad and he preceded her in death on March 1, 2011. She is survived by two daughters: Kerri Sarver and husband Larry of Alum Bank, and Kristi Cogan and husband Pat of Bedford; a son: Kevin W. Harkleroad of Bedford; two grandchildren: A grandson, Ezekiel Leonard and fiancé Campbell Moss, and a granddaughter, Elivia Leonard. She is also survived by three sisters: Joyce Cook and husband Charles of Everett, Janet Lesh of Manns Choice, and Debbie Aldrich and husband Don of New Holland, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Gary and Max Reeder, sisters-in-law Nelgean and husband Alvin Nave and Dorlene and husband Don Williams and brother-in-law Jack Alexander.

Joan was a 1957 graduate of Bedford High School and a member of Bedford Methodist Church. She worked various jobs while living in Bedford that included the United Telephone Company, the Bedford Middle School Cafeteria, the Secretary and Bookkeeper for the Bedford Methodist Church Daycare, and the Financial Secretary for the Methodist church. Joan was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, sister and Aunt. Joan was very proud of her grandchildren and enjoyed watching them in all their activities and events. Joan was a devoted servant of the Lord, always sharing her faith with her family instilling the love of Jesus Christ into their hearts.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford with Pastor Dan Stultz officiating. Burial at Union Cemetery. Friends will be received on Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 3 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home and on Monday one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joan’s name may be made to Foundations Christian Academy, 377 Upper Snake Spring Road, Everett, PA 15537. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.