JoAnne Edmonds was born on August 24, 1934 in Eugene, Oregon to Ernie and Mabel Drew. She was the eldest of four siblings, an excellent student, and graduated from Gresham High School lettering in gymnastics.
On May 28, 1954 JoAnne married her high school sweetheart and love of her life Byron Carroll Edmonds. She may, or may not have, completed his algebra homework so that he could graduate from college. The couple settled in Wood Village, and began building a family to fulfill JoAnne’s dream of six children. They soon moved to the farm in Boring to raise their family. As a couple, JoAnne and Byron enjoyed league bowling at Eastmont Lanes in Gresham and were active in the Oregon Red Raspberry Grower’s Association and the Gresham Breakfast Lions and Lioness clubs.
Aside from raising her children, JoAnne enjoyed working at US Bank, Fanning Chevrolet and as a Celebrity Jewelry consultant. She also worked alongside her husband on the family farm,Edmonds Farms, which encompassed 100 acres in Boring growing potatoes, blackberries, raspberries and Christmas trees and 1800 acres in Biggs, growing wheat. In addition, they were the owner/operators of Automan Service Center in Estacada, and Edmonds Mobile Home Park in Boring.
JoAnne was known for her kind heart, giving nature, gentle touch, and never-ending supply of unconditional love. She was a member of many church organizations and loved to share her faith with those around her. She was compelled to donate her time, energy, and resources to multiple causes including Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Bethany House in Gresham, the Warm Springs Indian Reservation and multiple religious organizations.
JoAnne was an avid mystery and adventure reader, collector of Hull Pottery and faithful admirer of John Wayne. She was a nature lover and enjoyed the flocks of various birds that routinely visited her well-stocked feeders. She loved chickens, peonies, and beach getaways. She was passionate about spending time with her family whether camping, hunting, at the beach, or at home for the holidays. Family always came first and was one of her greatest joys.
JoAnne is preceded in death by her husband Byron and sister Linda Lochen. She is survived by her six children: Dave (Ellen) of Gresham; Linda Bacon of Boring; Rob (Sonja) of Boring; Teri Clark of Sandy; Mike (Peri) of Yelm, WA; and Jan White of Gresham; 27 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren and her two brothers Bernie Giusto and Tom Giusto (Vivian).