JoAnn Adams

On September 10, 2026, after a very long journey, our mother was called home. Although we all have feelings of sadness and loss, we are also blessed that she is no longer facing daily challenges and pain.

During her final days, we envisioned her riding in a brightly colored hot air balloon, just as she and her husband, John, had done on their 59th Wedding Anniversary. We imagined her floating and gliding over the trees, mountains, rivers, and beautiful landscape. At last, she would be reunited with her husband, whom she had lost 9 years earlier.

Our mother, JoAnn Adams (Dorn), was born in Billings, Montana, on February 16, 1936. Her parents were Jacob and Marie Dorn. She had two sisters and one brother, whom she had sadly lost over the years. JoAnn graduated from Billings High School in 1953. Shortly after graduation, she was invited to go out dancing with good friends on a semi-blind date. That date went very well, and on September 18, 1954, she married her lifelong dancing partner, John Adams.

John and JoAnn would spend the majority of their married life in Harrah, WA, raising their three children. John built their home, which was a gathering place for family, friends, neighbors, and, of course, numerous pets.

JoAnn was a sales associate at Sears for 40+ years. She enjoyed her coworkers and customers and was respectfully known as the "Appliance Lady."

Later in life, she and John moved to the East Selah area, where they enjoyed interacting with their grandchildren daily. JoAnn enjoyed making homemade soup and baked goods and delivering them to elderly shut-ins, attending social events, crocheting festive hand towels, going to church, and participating in the quilters group. She was a great listener and always had encouraging, kind, but honest advice. JoAnn was known for her fast-paced walk (even though she had short legs), her delegating nature (some said bossy), and her gift of gab {which she did proudly).

Unfortunately, in 2017, she suffered a lacunar stroke, which resulted in aphasia. The next nine years would be very challenging. As the aphasia progressed, she lost her ability to speak, understand, read, write, and walk. She eventually became completely immobile.

She spent her last four years residing at Fieldstone Adult Family Home. Multicare hospice was an additional intricate part of her care, for the past two years. Her care team became part of her family, and although she had no means to communicate, several caregivers and providers learned to understand her needs and help her in their own individual ways. Some would place her stuffed dog into the bed with her or position her comfortably with pillows, while others would address her as "Miss JoAnn." We are very grateful, thankful, and appreciative of the love, compassion, and day-to-day care that her special caregivers gave her.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, John; three siblings; a granddaughter, Rachel Adams; a daughter-in-law, Terresa Adams; and countless friends and family members.

She is survived by her three children: Byron Adams (Arizona), Lynn Adams-Mitzel (Bellingham}, and Betsy Owens (East Selah).

She has 8 grandchildren: Rachel, Hanna, Holly, Elmer, Samantha, Karli, Kyle, and Jamison. She also has 15 great-grandchildren.

We will be holding a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Brookside Funeral Home. Lunch will be provided immediately following the service.