JoAnne Dobson, 91

JoAnne Helen Dobson, 91, peacefully met our Lord and Savior on Feb. 16, 2024, in Coeur d’Alene under the compassionate care of Hospice of North Idaho. She was born Feb. 26, 1932, in Spokane, Wash., to Jay and Nina F. Cheatham. JoAnne graduated from WSU in Pullman, Wash., where she obtained a BA in Business. 

An accomplished musician, JoAnne excelled in playing the cello, piano and organ. She showcased her musical talents with the Spokane Symphony, Project Joy Orchestra and various other musical groups. 

In 1954, she married Floyd L. Dobson, and together, they shared 57 beautiful years until Floyd’s passing in 2011. They enjoyed camping with family especially at Priest Lake every year since they spent their honeymoon there. JoAnne would frequently bring up the story of them honeymooning in a tent in the rain with no floor and over the years going on exuberant boat rides with Floyd at the helm asking him to slow down while her children asked to go faster. Later, they enjoyed exploring Alaska and traveling with her sisters and Cousin Patricia. She was a devoted wife, sister, loving mother and grandmother and friend to many. She was the center of family life and instilled strong traditional values and the importance of gatherings with good food and much laughter.

JoAnne served the Lord as an ordained Deacon and played music for Community of Christ congregations for over 60 years. Additionally, she found joy working at Sunset Florist for many years. For the past 13 years, JoAnne found immense fulfillment in sewing for Dress-A-Girl Around the World. This project filled her days with joy and a deep sense of purpose in helping others. Her family estimates that she made and donated close to ten thousand dresses, a project that started while living in Hawaii and throughout the remainder of her life in Post Falls.  

JoAnne is survived by four children; Patrick Dobson (Sissy), Susan McMinimy (Carl), Daniel Dobson (Stacy) and David Dobson (Chrissy, dec.). She has cherished grandchildren: Curtis, Nina, Ashley, Cassy, Morgan, Haley, Tyler, Darbi and Lindy; as well as loving great-grandchildren: Claire, Jude, Lucy, Jemmy, Lilah, Fox, Kodiak and Bramm.  Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins have also enriched her life along with Floyd’s large extended Dobson family. JoAnne is preceded in death by her parents and her four sisters. JoAnne’s memory will be forever treasured by many other family members and friends.

JoAnne’s family invites you to a Graveside Service on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery, 211 N. Government Way in Spokane, Wash. The Memorial Service will take place Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 3 p.m. at Community of Christ Church, 11515 E. Broadway, Spokane Valley, Wash. Contributions may be made to Community of Christ Church or Dress-A-Girl online donation at dressagirlaroundtheworld.com.