JoAnn Carol Platt (Nation)

JoAnn Carol Platt (Nation), 73, of Yakima, WA passed away peacefully June 7, 2014 with family members by her side. She was born December 22, 1940 in Pendleton, OR. She graduated Salutatorian from Selah High School in 1959, then attended YVCC and CWU where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in education.

Her career spanned 19 years, teaching fourth grade in Highland School District.

JoAnn was a lover of nature, bird watching, bowling with friends, reading and gardening. She also loved her personal library, which she was willing to share anyone. JoAnn loved traveling the globe to visit family and friends. Her greatest joys were baking, painting and beach combing with her grandchildren.

Those that knew JoAnn saw her passion for cultivating nature’s beauty as a master gardener who could take any space and create a beautifully colored landscape. She had a special relationship with plants and greenery and always had her eyes peeled for that special plant or rock to add to her garden.

JoAnn could also tell you the Latin name of any flower and plant. She had a passion for knowledge and never stopped learning. She was also fluent in Spanish and spoke French.

She will be missed by all.

She’s one of those special people who find a way of staying in your heart forever.

She is survived by her stepmother, AnnaLee Nation; her sister Linda Zirkle (Bill Zirkle) of Selah, WA; Brother Ron Travers of OR; children John Platt (Corinna) of Bellingham, Jason Platt (Camille) of Boston, Whitney Cooper (Darren) of Yakima, and Justin Platt (Jennifer) of Yakima; grandchildren Kyla and Kaden (John), Daria and Jaysa (Whitney) and Katarina and Liam (Justin). Preceded in death by Father Leonard Nation; Mother Berniece Brozek; Sister Wanda Gailan. JoAnn’s final resting place will be at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. To all friends and family,

A Celebration of JoAnn’s life will be held on Sunday, June 15th, 2014 at 573 Old Stage Way, Yakima, WA from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

To celebrate the life of JoAnn and share a memory visit www.keithandkeith.com.