JoAnne Kay Johnson, 71

JoAnne Kay Johnson, 71, “rejoiced as she entered the gates of heaven” July 19, 2015.

She was born at home Oct. 22, 1943, in Washburn, North Dakota, to John and Hilda Krause. The family moved to the Flathead Valley when JoAnne was in first grade. She graduated from Flathead County High School and attended Kinman Business School in Spokane.

It was through her bookkeeping position at Evergreen Fuel that she met a truck driver named Curtis Johnson. At the time of Curt’s death in 2013, the two had been married 51 years. Together they raised their two daughters and built their construction and development company. The Lutheran church was always a part of her family life and she was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church at the time of her death.

God gave JoAnne the amazing gift of styling hair. At the age of 32 she made the bold decision to go back to school with the dream of starting her own beauty salon. This dream resulted in her owning and operating Country Curl Beauty Salon for 33 years.

JoAnne was never one to sit idle. She enjoyed golfing, sewing, walking and creating beautiful handmade cards with her dearest friends. She had a beautiful soprano voice which she shared with others in church choirs or as she played the piano or accordion by ear. She was especially fond of wonderful old hymns.

In the past year she fought so very hard to win her battle with cancer. She faced each day with her beautiful smile lighting up any room — including her hospital room in her final days on Earth. Her faith in God produced in her a mighty spirit in which she lived each day. She inspired all who knew her by her will to live, her unwillingness to complain, and her precious faith in Jesus.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sisters Delores and Alice, and brothers Calvin and Floyd.

JoAnne is survived by her daughters, Tammy Jordt and husband Aaron, and Pam Kloeckl and husband Ken; grandchildren, Sydney Clem and husband Scott, Cedar Jordt, Curtis Moen, Zane Kloeckl and Brock Kloeckl; and siblings, Jeannette Olson and Gary Krause.

A memorial service is planned for 3 p.m. Monday, July 27, at Trinity Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Home Options Hospice.

The following note was found in JoAnne’s Bible on the day she died: “I fought the good fight. I have run the race. I have kept the faith. Amen — JoAnne”

May we all run the race with such determination.