Kern Funeral Home
http://kernfuneralhome.com
Joan Vance, a long time resident of the Skagit Valley and also Seattle's Ballard community, died suddenly of natural causes on November 20 in Mount Vernon, Washington. Joan Lily Ruthford was born in Belfast, Washington in January 1930. Joan and her twin brother Jack were welcomed by parents Gest and Ruth Ruthford. She also had an older brother Richard and older sister Margaret.
Joan grew up in the Belfast and Hickson communities, graduating from Burlington Edison High School in 1948. She was president of the high school Girl's Club and was also active in Rainbow for Girls.
After graduating high school she attended Western Washington University in Bellingham, studying home economics. Shortly thereafter she re-connected with former BEHS schoolmate Bill Vance at the local dance hall, the Holiday Ballroom. They married on October 10, 1952 and later had 3 children.
After moving to Seattle in 1966, Joan took to city life and became a member of a local Bridge group, forging lasting friendships. The family joined St. Dunstan's Episcopal church where Joan was involved with altar guild. After raising their family, Joan and Bill moved back to Skagit Valley in 1991. She was a member of the Skagit Valley Golf and Country Club for many years, enjoying social activities including the Bridge group where she played until just a few years ago.
She will always be remembered for her love of family, great conversation, wonderful dinner parties, her cooking and baking talents and her infamous brownies, and for always leaving room for one more guest and plate to join in the festivities and meal.
Joan was pre-deceased by her loving parents, her brother Richard and sister Margaret. She is survived by her devoted husband of 72 years, William T. Vance, son Edward Vance (Marne), daughter Nancy O'Connor (Mike Sr.), daughter Margaret Olsen (David), 9 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, twin brother Jack Ruthford, multiple nieces and nephews and her bonus daughter Marla Vance.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, December 15th from 1:30-5:00 pm at Chuckanut Manor in Bow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Susan G. Komen or Skagit Regional Health Foundation.
Funeral arrangements by Kern Funeral Home, Mount Vernon.
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Skagit Valley Herald
http://goskagit.com
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