Jo Ann Brodhecker

Jo Ann Brodhecker
August 4, 1934 - August 2, 2017
(This was written by Jo Ann in her own words)
I was the first born and only daughter to T.E. (Kid) and Eithel Dawn Combs on August 4th, 1934. I was followed by 3 brothers, David, Bob and Kenny. Of course I had to keep them inline and was able to do so. I could wrangle them and wrestle them which made me ready for the 3 boys I would have later. We didn't have much but we kids never knew we were poor. My parents we hard working people and provided us kids with horses and bicycles which is all we needed. There were some kids we grew up with that we felt sorry for because we thought were poor. But later we found out WE were the ones poor but we never knew it. We went to and participated in rodeos as my dad was a bronc rider all of his life and us kids loved the life we had. We always had the things we wanted. We had the best loving parents in the whole world.
On March 6th, 1954 I married Lloyd Brodhecker. We had 3 sons, Phil, Chris and Doug. As I mentioned earlier, keeping my brothers in line helped me raise 3 boys. And my brothers taught our sons to be rough and tough but also gentle and compassionate. My brothers used my kids as practice for roping. I remember them having my kids run around in the arena and roping them as they ran. I am surprised that my kids lived thru this. They all were good kids however a little rowdy and pure boys but my boys have grown into such great men, fathers and sons. Lloyd passed away on August 10th, 2004 but my boys were always there to help me get things done, keep me company and love me. And of course, we had the best kids in the whole world too. Each of them gave us the best grandkids and great grandkids anyone could ask for. Phil gave us Matt and Audrey. Chris gave us Christopher and Steven and Doug (Tauna) gave us Andy and Bradie. Andy (Sonya Nelson) gave us Noah, Canessa and Riley, Matt (Nicole) gave us Roby and Baylie and Bradie (Josh Olivera) gave us Skylynn, Tommy and Mackenzie. No one has a better family than I do. Honestly, we have such a close family. Never argue, always getting along and always there to help each other thru trying times. Many times people would comment on my family that they had never seen a close knit family who loves everyone including extended family. Once you were in our family, you were forever no matter what happened. Which brings me to Marilyn Edwards.
During the early years, Marilyn and I became best friends. Her and I have so many good memories and did so many fun things together. She is easy to like and love. I am grateful for our friendship that has lasted so many years. Marilyn is a good egg and I will never forget out friendship.
As you can see, I had the most wonderful life; the greatest parents, brothers, kids, grandkids and great grand kids. I have such a great extended family, nieces, nephews and cousins that have been such a big part of our family. No one on this earth has a better family and a life than I have had.
Jo Ann was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years; her son, Philip who passed away from cancer 2 years ago; her brother Kenny; her parents and several aunts, uncles and a nephew.
Jo Ann left behind her sons, Chris and Doug (Tauna). All of her grand and great grandkids. Her nephews, Michael (Christine) Combs, Dawn Marie (Don) Couch, Kathy (Ty) Hansen, Danny (Donna) Combs, Craig (April) Combs. (Jed) Ken (Kelly) Combs, Dennis Brodhecker, Curt Brodhecker, Janet (Don) Dart, Karen (Ray) Brodhecker, Linda Brodhecker and many great nieces and nephews. She also had many wonderful special family friends that have been a part of her life. Each of them she held close to her heart and has special memories of each one of them.
A graveside service for Jo Ann will be held on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at 10:00 AM at the Meridian Cemetery in, Meridian, ID. Condolences may be left at www.flahifffuneralchapel.com.