Joanne F. Strickler, 79, of La Grande, died Oct. 14 of natural causes. A memorial service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 25 at the First Presbyterian Church in La Grande. A luncheon will follow at the Presbyterian Friendship Center.
Joanne was born to Guy and Esther Furst in Topeka, Kan., on Nov. 24, 1928. In the late ’30s her family moved to Denver, where she spent her high school years. She attended Colorado State University and received her degree in early childhood development in 1951.
On Dec. 16, 1951, Joanne married Gerald Strickler, her one true love. They honeymooned in the remote Salmon Wilderness of Idaho as fire lookouts during the summer of 1952. In 1956
Gerry and Joanne settled in La Grande, where they raised their four children.
Joanne was a gifted seamstress and taught sewing and tailoring classes locally. She was also the records secretary at La Grande High School for 20 years.
Joanne loved La Grande and its people. She was involved in many organizations including the First Presbyterian Church, PEO Chapter I and the Alleluia Bells. She strongly supported educational endowments and was steadfast in her support of the arts.
Her husband, Gerry, preceded Joanne in death. She is survived by her four children and their spouses, Nancy Moore and her husband, Ralph, of La Grande, Jeff Strickler and his wife, Mary, of Portland, Becky Strickler of Portland and Suzie Houk and her partner, Mike Moll, of Oregon City; seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; twin sister, Jeanne Allison; and brothers, Jack and Larry Furst.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Oregon State Chapter PEO Sisterhood Charitable Trust to support women in education in care of Loveland Funeral Chapel, 1508 Fourth St., La Grande 97850.
La Grande Observer – Obituaries for the week ending October 20, 2007 – Published: October 20, 2007