Joan Anitra Bel Horst Routh

Joan Anitra Bel Horst Routh passed away Friday, July 7, 2023. She was 92 years old. Joan was born December 14, 1930 as an American citizen in Paris, France to Clemens and Meta Horst.

After spending her childhood in France, Switzerland, and Sweden, she came to the US at age 18. She was educated in the US as a Registered Nurse, and then an OB-GYN Nurse Practitioner, and finally a Certified Nurse Midwife. In her lifetime, she delivered more than 2,000 babies.

In 1953 he married Elmer L. (Roy) Routh, with whom she lived and loved for 60 years until his death. Together, they raised four children: Richard (married to Edie), Kim Ronald (married to Jane), Mark (married to Alexa), and Debbie (married to Jim Rennie).

In addition to her children (including honorary daughter, Maria), and her brother, Paul, and sister, Julie, she is survived by 19 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

Joan was a member of Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church.

The funeral services will be held Saturday, July 15, at Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church at 2pm. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the Church Sanctuary.

Interment will follow at Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery.