Joan Marie Taft

Joan passed away peacefully on July 17th in Sherwood Oregon, releasing her from her ongoing battle with Alzheimer's. Joan was 81.
Joan was born and raised in Hawthorne, California. She lived in multiple areas of the country including Memphis, TN, Oahu, HI, Orlando, FL and retired to McMinnville OR after a successful marketing career in Flying Tigers which later became Federal Express.
Joan traveled the world both for work and for pleasure, including places like; Barbados, Brazil, New Zealand, Tahiti, China, France, Switzerland, Ireland, England and more. She was an avid reader, mostly of mystery novels, sometimes completing 2 books in the same day. She was kind and generous and enjoyed her time volunteering with multiple charities.
Joan made regular donations to the local foodbank which was very important to her. Her kindness and generosity extended to her family, children and friends. She was quick to help out when needed. She opened her home on Thanksgiving to all and her home was the place for all the stray kids to hang out growing up. The door was always open with a generous smile and a warm hug.
Joan was survived by siblings Bill McKindley, Linda Lee, Tom McKindley, Bob McKindley and Don McKindley; her children Patrick Taft and Julie Dimick; 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Her daughter Kelly Jones, brothers Kenneth McKindley, Michael McKindley and best friend Nancy Leven precede her in death.
A celebration of life is being planned for late summer 2025 in Southern California. Updates will be provided on Facebook. Memorial Donations may be made to Komen.org and Alz.org