Joanne Lee Hill Staats, age 90, passed away peacefully and lovingly joined her husband in heaven on Dec. 5, 2020. She was born in Fargo, North Dakota, July 6, 1930, and spent her growing years in Cyrus, Minnesota. She met Bob Staats in Minneapolis where they began their 61 year marriage, relocating to Seminole, Florida with the Honeywell group in 1971. Joanne was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
Rachel Ann and Jacqueline Lee were born close together creating a lively household. Joanne graciously volunteered her time to support her daughters' activities and made lifelong friends with the parents of the Seminole High School Band. She delighted in spending time and with her grandchildren, Jack and Robyn Bailey, She would play games with them, take them to their favorite places, and was a very involved grandmother.
She offered her service as a member and president of the VFW Post 10094 Ladies Auxillary in Indian Rocks Beach. Her favorite activity was when the Auxiliary invited local children for lunch with Santa to receive gifts. The year Jack and Robyn attended was a special time. During the last few years of her life, she experienced great joy mingling and listening to live music during the Happy Hour celebrations at her Pinecrest home with Rachel. On Sundays, Jacqueline would regularly take her mom to the Pub for dinner, drinks, and a great view of the intracoastal waterway. Joanne will always be remembered by her smile that welcomed everyone she met.
She is survived by her daughters Rachel Staats Agliano (John), Jacqueline Staats Bailey (Bruce), her two grandchildren Jack and Robyn Bailey, her sister Jeanne Strand, (Dr. Donald Strand-deceased), her niece Susan Courtright (Frank), her nephew Steve Strand, her cousins Peggy Skapyak (Dennis) and Nancy Johnson, and many other cousins.
Services will be Saturday, December 19th at Serenity Funeral Home in Largo. A 2pm-3pm visitation will be held with a 3pm service to follow.
