Joan Osborne

1934 - 2025

Joan (Pronounced Jo Ann) Osborne

May 7, 1934 - July 27, 2025

Kennewick, Washington - Joan Osborne passed away peacefully at her home in Kennewick, WA on July 27, 2025. She was born on May 7, 1934, in Dudley, Idaho, to Leona Mae Otto and James Ryan.

From the age of two, Joan was raised by her grandmother, Emma Nass Otto. Their relationship was complicated, and Joan's resilience and independence were shaped in part by the challenges she faced during those early years. Joan graduated from high school in 1952 in Surrey, Wisconsin. She later moved with her grandmother to Portsmouth, Ohio, where she worked at the Williams Shoe Factory.

In 1953, at the age of 19, Joan traveled to New Plymouth, Idaho, to live briefly with family. Soon after, she received a letter from her lifelong friend Lois Combs, whom she had known since 7th grade and who was like a sister to her. Lois, then living in Kennewick, WA, invited Joan to move in after her roommate moved out. Lois kindly covered her room and board until Joan found work and helped her get a job at a local bakery, where the two worked side by side. This may have been where Joan developed her life long love of pie. She would always choose pie over birthday cake any day!

It was through Lois that Joan met Marv Osborne, who lived next door. Joan quickly grew close to his family and especially cherished Marv's kind and welcoming father. Joan and Marv were married on June 4, 1954, at the Kennewick Methodist Church.

In 1964, Marv and Joan began a business together: Marv's Petroleum Service, specializing in the installation and servicing of petroleum equipment. That business eventually evolved into Marv's Tri-City Paints, which operated until 2008. They retired in 1993 and embraced life as full-time RVers, traveling across the U.S. and Canada and visiting loved ones along the way. For ten winters, they stayed in California, where they made many new friends and developed a passion for golf. They later settled at the Village at Canyon Lakes in Kennewick.

Joan and Marv had two sons, Ken (born in 1955) and Keith (born in 1961). They were married for 60 years until Marv's passing in 2014.

Joan was deeply involved in her community and lived a life of service. She was a co-founder of the Kennewick Women's Club Sisu with Jolene Mewes which was the biggest federated women's club in the state of WA. As well as a dedicated volunteer at Trios Hospital. She was also a longtime member of the Kennewick Methodist Church, having joined in 1953, and was active in the local Kiwanis Club. Joan was an avid golfer and enjoyed many years on the greens with friends and family.

She was a strong, spirited woman who, especially in her later years, was never afraid to speak her mind. She loved exploring her family roots and uncovering the backstories of people's lives. Joan valued close relationships and was always ready to step in and care for family in times of need.

In 2015, Joan met Bill Kendrick, and the two spent the next seven years together in Kennewick, traveling to Palm Springs, CA, and Maricopa, AZ, during the winters. Bill lovingly called her his "Sweet Pea." They shared a love for card games, charity events, and the close-knit community they built together. Joan lovingly cared for Bill until his passing in October 2022. The couple arranged to be laid to rest together at Sunset Gardens.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband Marv and her son Ken.

She is survived by her son Keith (Jessica) of Arizona; her grandchildren: Paul Osborne (Deva) of Kauai, Hawaii; Jackie Osborne of Denver, CO; Chris Osborne (Hannah) of Spokane, WA; Trisha Kvalheim (Steve) of Pasco, WA; and her daughter-in-law Elaine Osborne of Kennewick, WA. She also leaves behind three great-grandchildren she deeply adored: Jolene, Evelyn, and Dakotah.

Joan is also survived by her "adopted" family, Keith and Annie Kendrick of Albany, OR., Bill's son and daughter-in-law who shared, "She was an extremely kind and loving and loving person which made her the best mom anyone could have asked for, so we adopted her".

She will be missed by her weekly card lady group Maryann, Jan and Hazel. The three of you kept her mind sharp until the end and she loved you dearly.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the friends and neighbors at the Village at Canyon Lakes, who became Joan's second family. Your love, care, and support meant the world to her. Special thanks also to Lupe, her devoted caregiver and "angel," and to the team at Chaplaincy Hospice, whose compassion allowed Joan to spend her final days at home, just as she wished.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan's memory to the Tri-Cities Cancer Center.