Joan Tower Aldridge (née Ward), 90, of Fort Wayne went home to be with Jesus on Monday, September 21, 2020.
Joan was born on December 11, 1929 in Mt. Sterling, IL to Joseph and Evaughn Ward. She was a graduate of Peoria High School (1947); going on to graduate from Northwestern Academy of Beauty Culture (1947), following in the footsteps several Aunts while starting her fulfilling career as a Beautician. On October 2, 1948 she married Howard Tower. Throughout their 43 years of marriage they enjoyed boating on the Illinois River, entertaining, maintaining a large yard and garden, and raising their daughter, Carolyn "Susie" Shelton. Joan was the proud and successful owner of her hairdressing business, enjoying talking with and helping her clients throughout its 50 year run.
In 1999, about a decade after her husband's death, she moved to Ft. Wayne to be closer to her daughter and three grandchildren. She loved to travel and spend time with her daughter's family. She affectionately became known as 'Muga', by her granddaughter, because of her propensity to always be seen with her coffee mug in hand.
In 2005 she married her companion Melvin Aldridge. Together they enjoyed traveling and riding many miles together on their Honda Goldwing. They regularly attended services at The Chapel.
Joan is survived by her husband, Melvin, daughter Susie (Kerry), three grandchildren David (Susan), Jonathan (Devon), Rebekah (Bradley), two great-grandchildren Oliver and Eloise, and Melvin's six daughters. She will always be fondly remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, wife, fan of Elvis and elephants, and wonderful woman.