Joanne Arlene Ham

1961 - 2017

Joanne A. Ham, age 55, passed away at home, surrounded by her family on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 6:32 PM. She was born November 11, 1961 in Muskegon, Michigan to Sydney and Margaret Allshouse (Hartwell).

She grew up in Carson, California and loved to spend time at the beach. She graduate from Torrance High School in 1979. After working at a phlebotomist, she joined the United States Navy in 1981.

During her time in the Navy she worked as a Corpsman and had the great opportunity to draw President Reagan's blood while at Bethesda Naval Hospital. While in the Navy she worked directly with the Marines in Florida and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. After 15 years of service, Joanne retired from the Navy.

She met her soul mate and love of her life, David Ham in 1994. They were married April 5, 1996 in Lubbock, Texas.

Joanne attended Texas Tech University and graduated in 2000 with Bachelors of Science with an emphasis in Special Education. She worked for LISD as a Special Education Teacher at Dunbar Junior High and Estacado High School. After leaving LISD, she frequently substituted at Slaton ISD.

She loved to travel and enjoyed taking cruises with her husband. Joanne loved life and regardless of circumstances, she always tried to enjoy the little things in life. Even when life was painful, Joanne did her best to bring laughter and hope to those who knew and loved her. Her favorite phrase was "This too shall pass." Joanne was an avid reader and shared her passion of literature with not only her students but her children as well. She loved her family with all that she was and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Joanne was the center of her family's universe and her hopeful, joyous and loving spirit will forever be in the hearts of those she loved and loved her in return.

Joanne is survived by her husband, David; her daughter, Mara; her son Conrad and daughter in law Valarie, mother Margaret, sister Suzanne and brother David. She was preceded in death by her father, Sydney and brother James.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Joanne's Memorial and Expenses Fund at https://www.gofundme.com/2p58xc-joannes-medical-fund?pc=sms_db_co2876_v1&rcid=a482a3bd21c0428e9b8cab48ea0669ad

Online condolences may be offered on our website at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Lubbock, TX.