Joan Therese IRELAND

Career educator, horse enthusiast, master-baker, and green thumb extraordinaire Joan Therese Ireland went to join her husband, Dan Rickerson Ireland, on May 4th, 2024; 6 years to the day from his own passing. 'Joni' was born and raised in Tucson. She met Dan at Palo Verde High School where they both graduated in 1964. From then on, their lives were inseparable. She graduated from NAU, studying elementary education. She taught for over 30 years in the Show Low School District, along with Dan who taught art. They retired to Sahuarita in 2008 to be closer to family. Joni loved riding her horse, Dandy, along the many trails of the White Mountains. Her gardens were always plentiful, and her kitchen always emitted sweet smells. She loved her numerous pets that needed extra love, and always went out of her way for the well being of all, be it beast, bird, or person. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, playful sister, and generous aunt. Her life can be measured in the countless impacts she had on her students, and all the lives she touched. She is preceded in death by her brother, Raymond Jackson Jr. and father Raymond Jackson, and cousin Joe Sooter Jr. She is survived by her son, Dan Ryan Ireland, her sister, Debbie Demlong (Michael), brother David Jackson (Gailyn), and mother Jenny Jackson, in addition to several nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, and numerous cousins. A service for friends and family will be on June 21 at 9:00am at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Marana.