Joanne Washburn

Joanne Washburn, 86, of St. Joseph, MI, passed away on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at Spectrum Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:30 am Monday, November 19, 2018 at Stevensville United Methodist Church, 5506 Ridge Rd., Stevensville, MI with Rev. David Hills officiating.  Friends may visit Sunday, November 18, 2018 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI.  Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan, Stevensville United Methodist Church, or the American Diabetes Association.  Those wishing to share a memory of Joanne may do so online at www.starks–menchinger.com. Joanne was born September 1, 1932 in Pueblo, CO to Oscar and Barbara (Babish) Boedecker.  She graduated from Pueblo Community College in Pueblo, CO. Joanne married Richard on January 1, 1953 in Pueblo, CO. Joanne was employed by Stevensville Lumber with her husband, and the Peacock Clothing Store for ladies clothing. She had a love of reading and travel especially when involving the West and the American Indian culture.  Joanne held a love of all animals and nature. Volunteering in the hospital, church, and many other organizations was also of great interest to Joanne.  She was an elegant, vibrant, strong woman who held her family and friends closely, especially her husband Richard. Joanne is survived by her daughter Cynthia Ahearn of St. Joseph, and step-grandchildren Thomas Ahearn, Jr. and Tiffany McCrary.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Ralph Washburn; son, Scott Washburn; son-in-law, Thomas Ahearn; and her parents.