JoAnn (Jody) Risley, age 81, died on Wednesday, January 8th, 2020 with family at her side. She was born to Mary and Joe Powell in Buhl Idaho on January 25, 1938. She is survived by her three sons, Joseph A. Risley, Steven M. Risley, William A. Risley Jr., and her two grandchildren, Alyssa T. Risley and Jameson C. Risley. Her husband, William Risley Sr., died in April of 2002. Her father was a strong and of Scottish descent, but he loved her intensely as he raised her as a single parent until remarrying Juanita (Skeets). JoAnn was a child of the West and grew up around mining and ranching communities. She made friendships within the rich diversity of the Southwestern cultures. She would eventually give to her children the same open minded tolerance and respect for all people, no matter creed or color.
Her formative years were spent in Bayfield, Colorado. She graduated from High School in Globe, Arizona. Her favorite childhood memory was when her father required her to ride a donkey to school in Globe. She found out why one day when the donkey suddenly stopped and refused to move. She was surrounded by rattlesnakes. Her father came for her a few hours later when she didn’t come home.
Family was very important to JoAnn. Her family was small but very close knit. In the early years, when her sons were old enough, every weekend was spent boating on Lake Mead then having dinner with all the family. In her eyes, her three sons could do no wrong, though they tested her many times. It was however because of her that they grew up to honor life and nature. She adored her two grandchildren and they loved her. Not one photograph could be found of her not holding them when they were small. Her grandchildren were fortunate enough to spend most of their lives close to her, learning things that only a grandmother could teach. She was also close to her extended family, especially her niece Bonnie and her sister-in-law Susie, who passed away several years ago. From her immediate family to her extended family, JoAnn loved them all and left an indelible impression on all of us.
JoAnn has flown away but her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she knew and loved her. She will never be forgotten.
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