Joanne Isabelle Presher peacefully completed her earthly journey on Saturday, December 6, in Eugene, Oregon, at the Pete Moore Hospice House. Surrounded by calm, beautiful music, and a spirit of faith, Joanne departed this life in the same way she lived it—with grace, love, and gratitude.

Born on December 13, 1945, in Seattle, Washington, Joanne was the daughter of Bertha Isabelle Robertson and later lovingly adopted by her stepfather, Harold Whitney Doan. From her earliest years, she understood the blessing of family in all its forms. This foundation shaped her remarkable ability to welcome others openly, greeting friends and strangers alike with warmth, kindness, and sincere interest.

Joanne’s capacity to love grew even deeper when she became a mother to her beloved son, William “Billy” Starr, in 1965. She treasured motherhood and lived it with devotion and joy. In 1970, she married Orrin Starr and faithfully supported him as a Coast Guard spouse, embracing the adventures of military life while raising their family. Travel and new places brought lasting friendships and sparked a passion that later guided her career in the travel industry. Joanne and Orrin eventually settled on South Whidbey Island, Washington, where they built a loving home until Orrin’s passing in 1994.

A natural connector of people, Joanne reached across backgrounds, experiences, and circumstances without judgment. She believed deeply in the goodness and potential of every person. Her love for service shone through her faithful membership and callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she ministered with empathy, faith, and genuine care.

Joanne was a woman of creativity and determination. When she discovered quilting, it quickly became a lifelong passion. Her very first quilt earned first prize at the Island County Fair, launching a journey of artistry, colors blended with vibrant artistry, creating friendships, and generous giving. Each quilt she made was a tangible expression of love—especially those created for weddings and newborns, which she affectionately called “quilted hugs.” Joanne believed in finishing what she started and encouraged others to set goals, work steadily, and trust that faith and effort together could accomplish great things. Living that belief, she earned her associate degree from Edmonds Community College in 1992, inspiring those around her to stretch just a little further.

In late 1997, Joanne met Steven Presher at a single adult activity, and they quickly knew they had found something special. Their courtship was filled with long phone calls, heartfelt letters, and temple date nights, culminating in their marriage on May 16, 1998, in the Seattle Washington Temple. Joanne delighted in blending families and joyfully welcomed five more children and many grandchildren into her heart. Her favorite phrase—“luva, luva, luva you!”—became a treasured reminder of her affection.

Joanne and Steven made homes in Washington, Ohio, and Arizona before settling in Elmira, Oregon. Travel remained a shared joy throughout their marriage. Whether through Joanne’s career as a travel agent or their retirement adventures, they embraced road trips and flights that carried them to family, celebrations, and cherished memories. In the final three years of their lives, they intentionally traveled the West Coast, gathering time, laughter, and love with children and grandchildren.

Few things brought Joanne more happiness than having family in her home. Extended visits were especially dear to her heart. After a broken leg, her grandson Nate lovingly dubbed her “Grandma Go-Go” while riding behind her wheelchair—a name that perfectly captured her joyful spirit and stuck with many of the grandchildren. Joanne delighted in sharing stories, photos, and proud updates of all seven of her children and her growing number of grandchildren, celebrating their unique personalities with enthusiasm and humor.

She often declared herself a “blessed woman” and compared her family to a lively game of Chicken Foot Dominoes—full of connection, fun, and unexpected twists. Joanne loved cooking for family gatherings, trying new recipes together, and preparing special meals for visits at “Daddy & Joanne’s house.” She was also known for finding “magic money” in her wallet to surprise her grandchildren with small treats that became big memories.

Joanne enjoyed a good game of dice or dominoes—her beloved “D&D”—to the delight (and occasional shock) of her older grandchildren. Her curiosity, humor, and ability to connect across generations never faded.

Life brought Joanne and Steven significant medical challenges in their later years, yet she met each trial with faith, resilience, and a gentle smile. She often testified that nothing was too hard when the Savior was invited to help. Joanne tenderly cared for Steven during his final year, offering strength, courage, compassion, and comfort not only to him but also to his children, even while carrying her own grief. Her unwavering belief that “it would be alright in the end” became a quiet testimony to all who knew her.

Even as communication became difficult in her final months, Joanne found ways to express her love and faith authentically. True to her nature, she ensured that quilting projects she had begun were completed or lovingly passed on, with unwavering ability to do whatever needs to be done so her promises—and her legacy—would continue. Her life was a beautiful example of perseverance, kindness, and enduring faith.

The Presher, Starr, and Doan families express deep gratitude to the hospice staff for their compassion and integrity, and to Kimberly Moore and Stacey Green for their devoted care. Special thanks are extended to Cookie Green, a friend and caregiver, whose home and heart provided peace and comfort during Joanne’s final months.

Joanne was joyfully reunited with loved ones who preceded her in death: her parents Bertha Robertson-Doan and Harold Doan; her husband's Orrin Starr and Steven Presher; her son William “Billy” Harold Starr; her grandson Nick Starr; and her brother Dennis Doan.

Her legacy of love lives on through her own stepmother Heidi Doan, sisters-in-law Dottie Starr, Rebecca Doan, daughter-in-law Laura Starr; grandson Brad (Lilly) Starr; stepchildren Kristen (Edward) Bringman, Sheryl (Simon) Castle, Kimberly (Robert) Moore, David (Amie) Presher, Stacey (Greg) Green, and Amy Presher-Thompson; and her brothers Eddie (Merle) Doan, Tom Doan, and Matthew Doan. Joanne leaves behind 28 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, each wrapped forever in her quilted stitches of love.

A memorial service celebrating the joyful life of Joanne Isabelle Presher will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 88068 Huston Road, Veneta, Oregon. A virtual link will be provided for those unable to attend. A graveside service will be scheduled at a later date.

Joanne’s life was a testimony of faith, creativity, service, and love. Her joyful spirit continues to warm hearts, bind families, and remind all who knew her that love—shared freely and faithfully—never ends.

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