JoAnn Young

JoAnn Young, 88, was born in West Virginia to Leah and George Smell. Her schooling at Fairmont State College ended when she brought her Mother to Phoenix in 1944. That year, she became a clerk in the original Goldwater’s Department Store in downtown Phoenix. In the 1940’s, JoAnn was active with young business women and was president of the Saguaro Club in 1946. She obtained her pilot’s license through the courtesy of Barry Goldwater paying for her license fee and furnishing the plane, an offer he made to all employees at the time. In the 1960’s, she was active with the All Saints Episcopal Day School for many years and served on the Altar Guild. In the 1970’s she owned a daycare called Young People’s Day Care.

She married Philip Young in 1952, and enjoyed 61 years of wonderful married life. Some of her loves were camping all over the state with her family, rafting down the Colorado River, and hiking in the Grand Canyon or Superstition Mountains. She was always the most gracious hostess at parties and had many friends. Always the lady, her sense of humor and feistiness were with her until the end.

In 2010, she and her husband took up residence at The Beatitudes Campus making more friends. JoAnn is survived by her husband Phil, daughter Salli Marinov, sister Charlotte, and granddaughter Marissa Royle. Predeceased by two sons, John and David.

Services will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church, 6300 North Central Ave on Saturday, November 30, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow at the church. Donations in lieu of flowers can be given to Hospice of the Valley at 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, 85014.