JOANNE A. MARTIN

Dec. 20, 1943-May 14, 2011

Mueller's Chapel of the Falls

Surrounded by her family at home, Joanne went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ after a hard fought battle with cancer.

Joanne is survived by Neil her husband of 48 years, brother Ralph and Karen Wisher, sister Linda & Dean Johnson, and brother Gary Derush, children; Ryan, Kyle and Leslie Martin, Shannon and Darin March, and Chad and Heidi Martin, and grandchildren; Mckenzie, Melene', Madeline, Kaylee, Mason, Conner, Marlee, Meredeth, Maverick, Maxton, Miley, Mallory and McKennah.

She was born and raised in the Tri-Cities, a Kennewick High School graduate (1962), and business student at CBC. An extremely hard worker, Joanne was the Office Manager for Martin Business Systems in their successful family owned business, along with being a farmer's wife helping with the animals and crops on the family farms. Prior to this, she worked at Pischel's Publishing and as a meat wrapper for 13 years.

Early on in her husband's minor league baseball career, Joanne helped scrapbook for his teams. She enjoyed travel, camping, hunting, fishing and spent many summers and holidays in Montana and Leavenworth. She was happiest when she was cooking large meals for her family, siblings, and friends. She was passionate in designing her home and yard. In addition, her pies and house plants won blue ribbons at the Benton Franklin Fair. She was a regular blood donor until her health would not permit. Joanne's life was focused on her faith, family and friends. She had a gift for rhyming words together to entertain along with her infectious wit and humor.

As a loving Christian mother, her happiest times were spent with family, or involved in her children's and grandchildren's schools, sports, and careers. Joanne played 15 years as pitcher on the women's 1st Baptist church softball team. She was an active member for 44 years within the church, and read her bible daily for 18 years from cover to cover. Joanne served the Lord in many ways such as opening their home to many youth and adults over the years, including the caretaking of her parents. As a role model she taught Sunday school, VBS and enjoyed helping with various church functions. By her actions you could observe her Christian faith knowing she was a Believer.

The family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers, food, cards and support for Joanne and her family. Services to be held Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 11 a.m. at South Hills Church, 3700 W. 27th Ave, Kennewick, WA.

The family invites you to sign their online guestbook at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.