Joann Lemmon Obituary

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend went to heaven on December 22, 2017. She was just 2 days short of her 80th birthday.

Joann was born December 24,1937 in Neodesha, KS. to William H. Elam and Jeanette (Burton)Elam. She spent her growing up years in Rangely, Colo. where she met her best friend and husband Dale Lemmon.

Joann was very involved in her school years and had a great academic record. She was the rodeo queen and loved riding and camping with her friends.

On December 9, 1956 she married Dale Lemmon in Elko, NV. They were the loving parents of 5 daughters. They celebrated 60 years of marriage on December 9, 2016. Joann and Dale moved to Cortez in 1963 and never looked back. They raised their family here and became pillars of the community.

When the girls were almost grown Joann went into the workforce. She worked at Maley's Tax Service, Ute Mountain Pottery and finally ended up at Ute Mountain Ute Housing Authority. She worked her way up to Director and was still employed at the time of her death. She made a big difference and was truly loved by her co-workers and the people of Towaoc. In her years as Director she was very proud of the fact that her yearly audits never had any findings. She won many awards and honors. Her intelligence and integrity made her family very proud.

She was a very sweet spirit and loved her God. She very rarely lost her temper and was the most non-judgmental person most people have ever known. She always put other people before herself. The love for her family was a rare and precious gift.

Joann is survived by her sister Jan (Gerry) Kocjan of Page AZ, Her sister in law Elanor Spencer of Roy UT, Angel Sister Rosalee Neiberger of Rangley, CO; her daughters Roxy (Johnny)Holaday of Cahone,CO, Renee'(Tony)Galyon of Castle Rock, CO, Robin (Steve)Semadeni of Salt Lake City, UT, Rochelle (Cheryl)Berlemon of Yaphank, NY, Christine (Eddie)Kaiser of Cortez,CO; 20 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Joann was preceded in death by her loving husband Dale Lemmon, her parents Bill and Jeanette Elam, her in-laws, Al and Grace Lemmon, brother in-law Paul Spencer, grandchildren Joshua Semadeni and Mackenzie Kaiser.

"We love you and will see you in 15 minutes"

Services are being handled through Ertel Funeral Home. To send condolences or to view the full obituary, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.