Mary Ann Joest

It’s hard to write about such a full and remarkable life that began during the great depression when families were struggling to survive.

The oldest of five children to Deane and John Reeks, Mary Ann recounted wearing potato sacks decorated and sewn into dresses. She was happy to help to care for her siblings, Lois, Dorothy, Thomas and Martha. She was always closest to Thomas who nicknamed her ‘Majestic”, a name they affectionately used throughout their lives.

Mary Ann was always proud that she learned to take care of herself and her family by working hard and by being extraordinarily talented and creative. Homes were always renovated, curtains sewn or furniture refurbished using her excellent sewing skills and superb taste. With 3 young daughters, while working full time at the Mission Inn, in Riverside, CA., she could still be found, late into the night, sewing 3 little dresses or 3 sets of play cloths from whatever fabric she could find and often without the aid of patterns.

She loved to grow her own vegetables, had fruit trees and an herb garden from which she canned seasonally and filled her pantries. She shared her love of cooking by turning even the the most ordinary of foods into a gourmet meal. More than a few times she could be found creating boxes for those who were less fortunate. She took clothing to shelters, or the fire department for children who lost their homes, or cooked for neighbors and friends who were struggling or just for the fun of it.

Mary Ann loved to sing and her home was always graced by her love of music and her beautiful voice. Songs were sung while driving, cooking, sewing or whatever chores at hand were lightened by the song in her heart.

After her three daughters, Sherry, Laura and Lana, graduated from high school, Mary Ann separated from Laurence Clayton, and moved to Los Angeles where she became one of the most successful Realtors in Los Feliz. In 1973, she married William Joest, and during their 50 years of marriage they traveled all over the world, lived in Los Feliz and Palm Springs CA, Tucson and Chandler, AZ., where they lived a life filled with love and adventure.

Mary Ann leaves her beloved husband, William Joest, Chandler, AZ, her daughters, Sherry Brown of Phoenix, AZ, Laura Johnson, of Mesick, MI and Lana Jackson of Tucson, AZ. and her granddaughter, Laura Bell of Phoenix and great grandchildren, Leah and Gavin Bell. Also, Williams son, Shane Joest and wife, Dawn, her brothers, Thomas Reeks of Yucaipa, CA and Dennis Weems and his wife Sara, of AZ and niece, Leslie Reeks of Tucson, AZ., grandsons, Adam Roy of MI and Brandon Jackson of Tucson, as well as many friends.

Mary Ann was an unforgettable woman whose music will play on in our hearts forever.

A graveside service for Mary Ann will be held Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 9:00 AM at Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, 10940 East Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, Arizona 85248.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakeshoreMort.com for the Joest family.