La Grande, Oregon
JoAnn “Jody” Daniels Steffensen, 70, formerly of La Grande, died Dec. 18 at Regency Gresham in Gresham after a two-year fight with brain tumors and C.O.P.D. A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at Loveland Funeral Chapel in La Grande.
JoAnn, or Jody as most people knew her, was born April 8, 1937, to Charles and Elfie Daniels in Driggs, Idaho. She was the youngest of 20 children. While still a young girl, her family moved to Baker City. At about 13, she moved to Spalding, Neb., where she went to high school and participated as a cheerleader for the basketball team.
After high school, Jody traveled to many parts of the U.S., including Alaska, Oregon, Arizona and Wyoming, and to British Columbia, Canada. She completed courses for both Max Factor and Revlon Cosmetics in 1957. Later in life, Jody returned to school and graduated in the top percentage of her class from the La Grande College of Business before going on to Eastern Oregon State College.
Jody held many jobs in many professions before finding her calling as a caregiver. She was employed with New Day Enterprises for many years in La Grande where she was a care provider and group home manager. Those who knew her say her specialty was creating a loving home for those who were in her care.
In early 1991, Jody purchased Ideal Guest Home, an adult foster care home. She successfully ran her business until personal health issues required her to retire in 2002.
Jody is survived by one son, Creston Rogerson of Walla Walla; three daughters, Wendy Krieger of Portland, Creacia Dilts of La Grande and Lizette Berryessa of Pilot Rock; and eight grandchildren.
La Grande Observer – Obituaries for the week ending January 26, 2008 – January 26, 2008