Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
JoAnn Gowens Obituary
72, passed away January 24, 2016 after a yearlong fight with multiple myeloma. JoAnn was born March 25, 1943 in Montreal, Canada. In 1957, her family moved to Phoenix, Arizona where JoAnn attended Central High School for one year before her family moved to Yuma. JoAnn finished high school and graduated from Yuma Union High School before her family returned to Phoenix in 1960. While attending Phoenix College she met the love of the rest of her life, Ron Gowens, and the two married in 1963. JoAnn received her Bachelor of Arts in Education then later her Master of Education from Arizona State University. She went on to teach at Corona del Sol High School in Tempe for over 20 years. During her career, JoAnn received numerous accolades and awards as an educator. She taught Business Education classes, was the Business Internship Coordinator, and the Business Department Chair for a few years prior to retirement. JoAnn enjoyed spending time with family and friends, cheering on her grandsons' endeavors, golfing, and was an amazing cook. She loved to entertain and you could always find her in the kitchen whipping together something delicious to feed to anyone entering her home. Her strong spirit, determination, wit, laugh (and ability to laugh at herself) will be dearly missed. JoAnn is survived by her husband of 52 years, Ron; her sister, Carol Woodhall; her son, Brent Gowens; her daughter, Heather Hartshorn, and her husband, Tom; and five wonderful grandsons. A service to celebrate JoAnn's life will be held Saturday, February 27, 11:00 AM at Mountain View Presbyterian Church. 8050 E. Mountain View Road.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JoAnn Gowens
February 24, 2016
So sorry for your loss.
May God surround and comfort you.
~Psalms 71:21
February 18, 2016
JoAnn was a very special lady . Her sense of humor , her love of family and friends and her lifetime love affair with Ron was something all of us admired. She will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know her. Brian Hilton
Jim & Linda Rae
February 17, 2016
Ron we are saddened by the loss of Joann. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim & Linda Rae
Colleen Clancy-Smith
February 17, 2016
JoAnn was a Beautiful and Wonderful Lady. I will miss her deeply, I will miss her humor, he quick wit, her laugh, the little "names" she called me while we played Dominos. JoAnn was so accomplished in her life. I know she loved the game of golf and more than anything Ron, and her family. What I especially love was her love of animals, and how much she loved her "Grand Dog". I will miss my Dear Friend, I am sure she is playing golf in Heaven and pain free. We will meet again... Remember, JoAnn will always be with you, and we will all be together again. God Bless You All, With Love, Colleen and Ron
Frank Antonio
February 17, 2016
Ron and family, Brent, Jacob, Ryan
My deepest condolences on the loss of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. I will always remember JoAnns smile and kindness. May the Light of Christ surround and comfort you all at this challenging time
Linda Ritchie
February 16, 2016
Ron my deepest sympathy on the loss of your wife. My prayers & thoughts are with you. Heaven has a new Angel. RIP Joann.
Al Schroedel
February 16, 2016
Ron, my deepest personal sympathy to you and your family on Joann's passing. May God comfort you and hold all of you close in your time of sorrow.
Kathleen Worrell
February 16, 2016
I'm so sorry to have read about Joanne. She was such a beautiful, generous and fun lady. Have fond memories when I, my sister Terry and my mother spent Mother's Day (at your old house) and Thanksgiving (at your new house. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family now and always.
Elizabeth Newbury
February 16, 2016
It was always nice to see you whenever you returned to the Park ..And also invite us to your place when we were in Az.......you will be missed .your sister Carol will miss you ..Elizabeth Newbury Baird
Bob Sweeney
February 14, 2016
I did not know Joann, but Ron Gowens was my supervisor in customer service at Motorola Semiconductor. My thoughts and prayers are with Ron and the children. May she rest in peace.
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in JoAnn Gowens's name
Memorial Events
for JoAnn Gowens
How to support JoAnn's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor JoAnn Gowens's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
