Joan M. Tolle

1936 - 2024

Joan M. Tolle, 87, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2024 in Tucson, surrounded by her loving family.

Joan was born on December 28, 1936 in Cottonwood, Arizona. She spent most of her childhood growing up on a small farm, and attended a one room schoolhouse in elementary and middle school. She then attended Cottonwood High School with a graduating class of less than 10 students. She moved to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona on an academic scholarship, where she was a member of many honorary associations and committees, and was a proud graduate in education, and an active alumni.

While at the U of A, she met the love of her life, Jerry Tolle. They wed in August 1958 and went on to have two children, Bill and Brenda. They had been married for an incredible 63 years before Jerry passed in October 2021.

After graduation Joan began her teaching career at Catalina High School from 1959-1965. She then took several years off to enjoy time with Bill and Brenda when they were little. She then continued her teaching career at Sahuaro High School from 1973-1994. She was an incredibly dedicated business and typing teacher, and genuinely loved her profession, students, and fellow teachers. She touched many students lives and was an inspirational and positive influence.

Joan and Jerry have traveled extensively all over the US, attended U of A sports events, and been active and supportive to the University of Arizona. They were very social, and spent time with many lifelong friends over the years. Many wonderful memories were made taking family trips and spending summers in San Diego. They were members of Christ Church United Methodist, and most recently Northminster Presbyterian Church. Joan and Jerry became members of the Tucson Country Club in 1965, and could often be found there enjoying a round of golf or a family dinner.

Joan was proudly and passionately dedicated to her family, community, and country. She was the glue that held everything together, and made our house a loving home. She was the best advice giver in the world. She is known for her kindness and spent her time volunteering, taking care of others, and keeping her husband Jerry in check. She was incredibly proud of her only grandson, Tanner Aros, who she loved with all her heart. Tanner brought her immense joy. She was a devoted and loving grandma.

Joan is preceded in death by her Mother Barbara Muretic, and Father John Muretic. Joan is survived by her son, Bill Tolle, her daughter Brenda Aros, her son-in-law Roy Aros, her grandson Tanner Aros, and her two sisters Louise Conder and Beatrice Langley.

A memorial service to honor this amazing woman will be held on Saturday, March 2nd , at 11:00am, at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2450 E. Ft. Lowell Road, Tucson, AZ.