JoAnne Parkinson Webster, 67, of Rexburg, Idaho, passed away peacefully in her sleep Sunday October 9, 2016, of natural causes.
JoAnne was born October 25, 1948, in Idaho Falls, Idaho; the third child of Timothy Hansen Parkinson and Ardella Ingar Hokanson.
JoAnne had a wonderful childhood on the family farm riding horses, shooting guns and exploring the Moody Canyon. Her mother taught her to enjoy the beauties of this world God created; she loved nature, animals and especially gardening. She had a gorgeous yard full of plants and flowers and always had a bountiful garden. Her beloved cat Blackie was a member of the family for19 years.
She attended public school in Rexburg; graduating from Madison High School in 1967. She then studied at Ricks College, the University of Utah and graduated from Brigham Young University in 1971with a Bachelor Degree in Clothing and Textiles. She was an avid reader and continued learning throughout her life.
On September 5th 1969 she married her high school sweetheart, Byron H. Webster, in the Idaho Falls Temple. They attended school in Provo, Utah where their two sons were born. Their first daughter was born while living in Denver, Colorado and their youngest daughter was born when they finally settled on the family farm in Rexburg, Idaho.
JoAnne excelled in her role as wife, mother, homemaker and grandmother. Her other interests included horseback riding, sewing, reading, gardening and outdoor activities. She belonged to several groups that enriched her life including the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, a gospel study group and a dinner club that spanned thirty-seven years.
She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; serving in Relief Society, Sunday school and particularly enjoyed teaching Primary children. From January 2011to July 2012 she and Byron served together in the New Jersey Morristown Mission. They continued their friendships with those they served. JoAnne thoughtfully anticipated the needs of others and served with her whole heart, often through aches and pains.
JoAnne is survived by her husband, Byron H Webster, children; Dylan Webster of Rexburg, ID; Aaron (Anjuli Churaman) Webster of Olympia, WA; Ashley (Josh Wood) of Coulee City, WA; Rebecca (Lance Burt) of Rochester Hills, MI; foster daughter Tabitha Greslick Smith of Ocean City, CA; sister Lou Campbell of Iona, ID; brother Timothy (Betty) Parkinson Jr.; of Rexburg, ID; and 12 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father and mother and brother-in-law Larry Campbell.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 15 at the Rexburg East Stake Center, 387 South 4th East, in Rexburg. The family will receive friends Friday, October 14, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg and Saturday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the stake center prior to services. Interment will be in the Sugar City Cemetery.