JoAnn Louise Jenkins

JoAnn Louise Jenkins, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025, in Salem, Oregon, at the age of 88. She was born on January 15, 1937, in Dallas, Oregon, to Edward and Berneice Mueller, and spent her formative years on a farm in Independence, Oregon, alongside her three brothers, James, Thomas, and Fredrick.

JoAnn graduated from Central High School in Independence and attended college at WOSC, Oregon State University, and Portland State University, where she studied Home Economics.

JoAnn married Ralph Jenkins, a fellow classmate from high school, with whom she built a life full of love and hard work. Together, they raised four wonderful children: DeAnna Piercy (Dan), Barbara Kaufman (Mark), Laura Johnson (Rex), and David Jenkins (Jennifer). When her children were young she was a dedicated stay-at-home mom who provided a warm and loving environment for her family, imparting the values of hard work and resilience.

JoAnn's entrepreneurial spirit shone through when she started The Hearthbeat Florist in the 1970s, a business she ran with passion and dedication well into her 80s. In addition to her career as a florist, she was a Bluebird Leader, and as 4-H leaders, she and her husband Ralph, ran the Outdoorsmen Club for the local school kids. She was also a trailblazer in women's sports, helping to found the first women's softball team in Salem.

An avid traveler, reader, and gardener, JoAnn lived a fulfilling life. She was predeceased by her parents and her beloved husband, Ralph, who passed away in 2001. She often remarked how happy she was with her life and that she wouldn't have changed a thing,

Her legacy continues through her nine grandchildren: Sean, Brian, Crystal, Amber, Spencer, Suzanne, Natalie, Zachary, and Claire, as well as three great-grandchildren: Rylan, Sage, and Jordan. Her family will forever remember the love, pride, and encouragement she instilled in them, often expressing how proud she was and how proud Ralph would be of her children and grandchildren and their accomplishments.

Mom and Grandma, we love you dearly and peace and love will forever dwell in our hearts as we cherish all the precious memories we hold.

A "Celebration of Life" will be held at: The Chemeketa Eola Event Center, 215 Doaks Ferry Rd NW., Salem, Oregon 97304 on Sunday, November 2nd from 2pm-5pm