Her greatest joy in her golden years were her grandchildren.  She was always with a story to share to her friends of what her grandchildren were currently doing.  Douglas, Andrew, and Gabriella, children of David and Renee, lived in San Diego before moving to Dayton, Ohio in 2004.  And Kiera, Michael's daughter, in various locations before landing in Tampa, Florida.  While a long distance away, close in her heart.  Many visits to each other and meeting for vacations kept her close to the ever growing grandchildren and their activities.  Pictures in hand, she always talked about them and lived to see them grow and succeed.  Again, she always has an invisible hand to support in everything they do.

Soon after being married, Joan and Pete started their family.  David was born in 1969, followed by Jeffrey in 1970, and Michael in 1973.  With the growing family came the need for a bigger house, to which they moved to in Fountain Valley in 1973 and remain with to this day.  Mom also took time off from her nursing career to be a dedicated mother to her boys.  Once they were older, she resumed her nursing career.  As a mother, she was dedicated to her family, supporting her sons in all their many endeavors while growing up, and instilling a strong sense of responsiblity and independence in them.  She has always been the invisible supporting hand behind her family.

After earning her degree in Nursing, Joan headed off to California to work at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Long Beach.  She soon met a United States Navy sailor named Peter Moenter. They fell in love and were married on May 26, 1966 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Garden Grove, California.  

After graduating from high school, Joan headed off to college at Ohio State University, where she earned her degree in Nursing.

On April 11, 1938, in Cleveland, Ohio, Alice and Howard Roth welcomed their third child, Joan Ethel, into the world. Joan had an older brother Howie and sister Elaine.