JoAnn Thomas, 94

JoAnn Thomas passed into the presence of the Lord on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021.

JoAnn was born in 1927 in Lincoln, Nebraska, into the humble circumstances that defined the Great Depression. She was a premature baby and an unlikely survivor in a time of less advanced medical care. As her mother fed her with an eye dropper, it was clear that JoAnn was a fighter.

She was a cheerful, curly haired, cherub-faced little girl that loved her dolls, her many friends, trying to catch fireflies, drawing pictures, and her horse Betty, which, for a time, she used to get to and from school.

JoAnn’s resilience and mental fortitude were evident at an early age. A handicap made walking difficult and running impossible so, while her schoolmates played outside, JoAnn made the most of her circumstance by focusing on drawing and artwork. For JoAnn, the glass was always half full.

Life was challenging during the Depression until a job opportunity led the family to Southern California, where JoAnn completed her basic education and attended college. In 1956, she met the love of her life, Wyn Thomas, on a blind date to a new amusement park called Disneyland. As Wyn said many times, the minute he saw JoAnn approaching, he knew “she was the one.” The feeling was mutual and, on that day, hand in hand, Disneyland was indeed the happiest place on earth.

JoAnn worked in retail sales for 30 years. Despite her physical challenges, she was on her feet for eight to 10 hours a day. Always a smile, never a complaint, she loved meeting and helping people. For her, the only difference between a stranger and a friend was an opportunity to say hello.

JoAnn and Wyn were married for 59 years and were two halves of a whole. When they entered a room, people noticed and everything seemed more interesting. They were devoted parents and doting grandparents. Nothing on earth was more important to them than their family, and their life together was an inspiring picture of love, sacrifice and faithfulness.

When Wyn passed, JoAnn moved to Immanuel Lutheran where she received excellent care. At ILH, she was popularly known as “JoJo” and, now on a more level playing field, she finally got to play with the “cool kids” … wheelchair races, Silver Sneakers, performing in holiday plays and, of course, bingo, highlighted her days.

JoAnn was a vibrant, loving, compassionate, strong, fun loving, joyful person — and while we will miss her, we are thankful for the many memories we have to fill the enormous void left by a wonderful life well lived.

JoAnn is survived by her daughters Julie and Kim, their spouses, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Central Bible Church on Nov. 27 at 11 a.m., followed by lunch in the gymnasium.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Central Bible Church. 902 1st Ave. East, Kalispell, MT 59901.