Joan Frances Smith Hendrick

1936 - 2015

Joan Frances Smith Hendrick

Oct. 30, 1936

Apr. 13, 2015

Joan Frances Smith Hendrick, whose life-long passions were skiing and golf, died April 13 at her Reno home after a lengthy illness of ALS. She was 78.

Joanie was born in Reno October 30, l936 to Francis R. (Tank) Smith of Reno and Ethel Hansen, a native of Lovelock, Nevada. Smith served as mayor of Reno from l948 to 1956. Joanie attended Orvis Ring Elementary School, Northside Junior High, Reno High and two years at the University of Nevada before graduating from the University of Colorado. While at Reno High, she represented Nevada in Far West Ski Association and American Legion races at Sun Valley and, at the university, she was a member of the first women's ski team, the undefeated "Powder Puff Girls", in l956.

Joanie was a professional laboratory technical associate for private and public medical institutions and assisted her late husband, Dr. Harry Hendrick, in his medical and later legal practices after he followed his physician career by becoming an attorney.

Joanie is survived by her sons Fred Paschal and David Paschal and daughter in law Rebecca and grandson Jack of Snowmass Village, CO, sister Linda Crossett of Durango, CO and brother Robert Smith of Woodland, CA. as well as her first husband, Jim Paschal of Glenwood Springs, CO.

A memorial celebration of Joanie's life will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Bartley Ranch Western Heritage Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joanie's name to ALS of Nevada, 4220 South Maryland Parkway, #404, Las Vegas, NV 89119. The family extends deep appreciation to Joanie's caregivers and the many friends who supported her during her illness.