JoAnn M. Ableman

JoAnn M. Ableman, 85, a former Punkin Center community resident and a resident of Cheney, passed away on July 24, 2016 at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon, Wash.

JoAnn was born on May 31, 1931 in Wilbur, Wash., the daughter of Merle and Barbara (Wilson) Bacon. She was raised in several rural communities during her childhood and graduated from Prosser High School with the class of 1949. She spent her adult years mostly in Cheney and Medical Lake.

On Jan. 10, 1953 she was united in marriage to Dee Ableman and they raised three children, Ardee, Teri and Barb. JoAnn and Dee were divorced in 1988.

JoAnn worked as a bookkeeper and payroll clerk while raising her family and then returned to college, attending Eastern Washington State College to earn a bachelor's degree in accounting. She was the business manager at Eastern State Hospital until she retired in 1986.

She resided in Spokane until 1993 when she moved to Skagit County living in the Punkin Center community. In 2001, she returned to the Spokane area.

JoAnn was a lifelong horse lover, crowned Cheney Rodeo Queen in 1947, and enjoyed trail riding on her horse with her sister Jan and daughter Barb. JoAnn was a member of Eastern Star and Bethel Guardian for Medical Lake's Chapter of Job's Daughters to which her daughters belonged. She enjoyed square dancing, was active in her church and doted on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

JoAnn is survived by her children, Ardee Ableman of Cheney, Teri Bauman (Larry) of Sedro-Woolley and Barbara Ableman of Cheney; four grandchildren, Heather (Terry) Impecovan, Justin (Heather) Norwood, Carmella (Seth Powell) Bauman and Leisl (Billy) Kerechek; five great-grandchildren, Amy Ableman-Zimmerman, Trevor Williams, Sarah Impecovan, Gwendolyn Norwood and Cadan Norwood; her sister, Jaunel Hussey of Spokane Valley and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 15319 E. Eighth Ave., Spokane Valley on Aug. 27 at 1 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Soldier's Angels, or your favorite veterans' charity.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share memories of JoAnn and sign the online guest register at http://www.lemleychapel.com.