Joan Marie Richardson

Joan was pre-deceased by her Husband Roger, her father and mother, Alvin and Esther (Lokke) Tovaas and her sisters Ardath Able and Lois Virginia Smith, and by her brother Roy Tovaas.

She is survived by her 3 wonderful daughters, Carolyn Elliott, Sandra Doss and Cynthia Gerig.

Joan was born in South Gate, California on June 7, 1930.

Joan met the love of her life, Roger Richardson on a blind date in 1950, shortly after he enlisted in the US Air Force. Amusingly, when asked what attracted her to Roger, Joan smiled and said, “He had a good job with airman pay in the military!” Along the way, they were blessed with 3 wonderful daughters, Carol Marie, Sandra Jean, and Cynthia Lois.

Roger and his older brother Bob started an upholstery business in Whittier CA (Fashion Cushion) in what became the family business. While the men did the sewing and upholstery side of the business, Joan joined the team as the company book keeper. They retired from the upholstery business in September of 1993, with Roger and Joan enjoying time with daughters, son in laws and grandkids, and the blessing of 8 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Memorable family holiday gatherings always included the tradition of roasted turkey & prime rib. Joan was known to prepare the meals with much love and care, adding in her signature dishes of rice pilaf, Watergate salad and pumpkin pie. These were always times of great joy where all her children and their families would gather at their house on Christmas Eve, while the adults enjoyed a bit of Baileys Irish Cream while opening all the gifts.

Joan enjoyed spending time with her family, camping and driving dune buggies in the desert. She and Roger even made a milestone journey to Alaska, DRIVING a brand new Southwind motorhome in an RV Caravan the entire way to Alaska! They went from Los Angeles, up through the USA , through Canada and into the Alaskan wilderness. She said it was a great memory, even though the roads got pretty rough! More often than not, you could find Joan and Roger camping with their “best friends” camping group and family at the many campgrounds from San Diego to Pismo Beach.

Joan was always honest, always willing to express her opinion, always caring, always giving, and most times smiling. She was a kind and gracious woman who accepted all of us as we are and only wanted the best for us.

We miss her dearly and rejoice in knowing that she has been rejoined with her beloved husband Roger, and all the family and friends that have passed on over the years. Happy Trails Joan.

A Celebration of Joan's life will be held June 7th, (her birthday) at 10:30am in beautiful Chapel of the Valley, located at 2215 N 5th Street, Prescott Valley, Arizona.