Joanne Merrell, 91

Joanne Merrell passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on March 11, 2025. Born on January 30, 1934, in Whitehall, Montana, she was the youngest of twelve children born to John and Clara Capp.

Joanne received her early education in Whitehall and subsequently earned a teaching certificate from Western Montana College in 1955. She began her career as a third-grade teacher in Livingston, Montana.

During her college years, Joanne met the love of her life, Francis (Frank) Merrell. They were married in Whitehall in 1956, following Frank's graduation from Montana State University, and began their life together in St. Paul, Minnesota, where they welcomed their first child, Elaine, in 1958. In 1959, the family relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, where Frank had accepted a position with General Electric; they completed their family there with the birth of Craig in 1962 and Scott in 1967.

Joanne was a woman of remarkable talent, from baking her famous cookies to her exceptional sewing skills. She crafted many of her children's clothes and, as her family grew, extended her talents to her grandchildren, creating cherished Christmas and Easter pajamas. Her artistic abilities extended to intricate cross-stitch creations, festive Christmas stockings, and charming cloth ducks, all lovingly gifted to family and friends.

Joanne was deeply involved in her children's education and extracurricular activities, frequently serving as a teacher's aide and actively participating in school events. She attended her children's sporting events and piano recitals and enjoyed a stint as a Brownie troop leader.

A devout Catholic, Joanne's faith was a cornerstone of her life. She attended daily Mass and was blessed to embark on pilgrimages to the Holy Land and Medjugorje with her church community and friends.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents and ten of her eleven siblings. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Frank; her children Elaine (Scott Mardian), Craig (Sandy Sargent), and Scott (Colleen); her grandchildren, Nicholas and Peter Mardian, Matthew, Megan (Hixon), and Michael Merrell, Hannah Forstrom, Emily and Connor Merrell, Natalie Keim, and her great-grandchildren Easton, Grady, Keltin, Nora and Reno. She is also survived by her brother, Ray, and many loving nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on March 25, 2025, at the St. Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix, AZ. Private interment followed.