Obituary of Joan Marie Williams

     Joan Marie Edwards was born in Lewiston, Idaho on August 7, 1931 to Albert Orange (Jack) Edwards and Dora Edwards.  She lived in Grangeville, Idaho for 10 years followed by a move to Star, Idaho.  Joan attended several country schools before graduating from Boise High School in 1949.  After high school she continued her education at Boise Junior College where she met her future husband, Earl Williams.  They were married in 1952.  Joan majored in elementary education and taught in Twin Falls, Idaho and in Pocatello, Idaho while Earl completed his education at Idaho State College.  After Earl was drafted into the Army, she traveled with him to many army bases, including Heilbronn, Germany.  After five years of military service, Joan and Earl settled in Vale, Oregon.  They later moved to Ontario, Oregon.  Joan was a substitute teacher for many years while raising their three children. 

     In 1988, when Earl retired from teaching and coaching they enjoyed 20+ years of travel, mostly in a motorhome crossing the USA several times and wintering in Arizona with friends.  They also visited many foreign countries with the highlight being an African Safari.  Joan was a lifelong, active member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.  She is looking forward to joining her beloved Earl and other family members in their Heavenly home. 

     Golf and bridge were two of Joan’s favorite past times plus all the traveling she and Earl did together.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two sisters – Jacqueline Edwards and Miriam Gilbert.  She is survived by her three children and their spouses – Pamela Kautz (Rodney), Jeffry Williams (Debbie Park) and Matthew Williams (Karlene) plus eight wonderful grandchildren – Katie Williams (Jack Strong), Casey Kautz (Samantha), Taylor Tront (Jake), Emily Williams (Kadin McGreevy), Kaylan Leohr (Jake), Sierra Bates (Brandon), John Williams, Corbin Williams (Shaleah) and four great grandchildren – Kasen, Judah, Tatum and Hope.  Funeral service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 5009 W. Cassia St., Boise, Idaho on April 10 at 11am with Pastor Timothy Pauls officiating.  Interment will be at a later date at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery.