Joanne Towne

Joanne L. Towne, 75 BYRON - Joanne L. Towne, 75, of Byron passed away Friday, June 3, 2011, surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 22, 1935, in Winnebago to Eli and Alma (Degrote) Allen. Graduated from Winnebago High School in 1953 and obtained her beauty culturist license. She married Rex Towne on July 14, 1957, and operated a salon in their Rockford home until moving in 1976 to Oregon, where she worked in several salons. After Rex's death in 1985, Joanne obtained her CNA license and worked at nursing homes in Oregon and Mount Morris before retiring in 1999. She moved to Byron, where she lived with her daughter Lisa, then with her daughter Robin. Joanne loved traveling to Texas to visit her son, Gregory, and spending time with her grandchildren, who were the joy of her life. Survivors include children, Lisa (Larry) Leach of Davis Junction, Robin (John) Sisouk of Byron and Gregory (Jodi) Towne of Keller, Texas; grandchildren, Janel (Josh) Voyles, Ashley (Kevin) Vuong, Kelsey, Lauren and Mallory Lameyer, Jacob, Joanna and Tyler Sisouk, and Reed Towne; great-grandchild, Evan Vuong; and dear friends, Vivian and Norma. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rex; brother, Connie; and sister, Barbara. Service at 10 a.m. Thursday June 9, in All Saints Lutheran Church, with Pastor Scott Schmidt officiating. Visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 8, in Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 506 W. Merchant St. Burial in Winnebago Cemetery. A memorial fund is established in her name. For more information, visit farrellhollandgale.com.