JoAnn Blackburn Stringham

JoAnn Blackburn Stringham, age 67, of Vernal, Utah, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Dec. 29, 2017.
JoAnn was born to Harold and Darlene Saurey Blackburn in Rexburg, Idaho, the middle of three children. She grew up working on the potato farms and riding horses any chance she could get. She graduated from Madison High School in 1969.
JoAnn attended the University of Utah and and graduated with an English degree in 1974. She was originally set on becoming a librarian, but a friend bet JoAnn she couldn't get into law school. She proved him wrong and changed the course of her life. She graduated from the University of Utah - SJ Quinney College of Law in 1977 and began a nearly 40-year career as an attorney.
JoAnn married Kenny Stringham in 1982. They were blessed with two daughters, Sydney and Andrea. She later married Tom Somerville in 2000. Although both marriages ended in divorce, JoAnn maintained deep, lasting friendships with both Kenny and Tom.
JoAnn loved the outdoors. She was at her happiest while hiking in the mountains, camping in Southern Utah or going on any river trip she could. She wanted to experience all the world had to offer and traveled with friends and family at every opportunity. Her travels took her from Europe to South America, Australia and Asia.
The legal community will remember her as being fair and full of integrity. She was passionate about her work and always saw that justice was served. Her family and friends will remember her zest for life and adventure and her love of family. Her daughters will remember her as a role model and an unwavering support system.
Joann is survived by her daughters, Sydney Stringham, of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Andrea (Shaun) Smith of Vernal, Utah; the light of her life, her granddaughter Abigail Smith; brother Paul (Kris) Blackburn, of West Covina, California; sister Karen (Kenneth) England, of Rexburg, Idaho; and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Darlene, and two infant siblings.
A memorial service will be held on Jan. 13 in Vernal, Utah.