Joan Geis

On Thursday, May 1, 2003, Joan Geis, 68, of Cottonwood, went peacefully to her final resting place with her husband and family at her side after a battle with cancer.

Joan was born Oct. 25, 1934, in Greencreek, the daughter of Gus and Bernadine Sonnen Wensman.

She attended and graduated from Greencreek schools.

She married Joe Geis June 27, 1953, and they had six children together.

Joan was a homemaker until the children were grown and was the local Lewiston Morning Tribune motor carrier for 10 years. She then worked at St. Mary's Hospital in Cottonwood until her retirement.

Joan enjoyed her family and friends, playing cards, crocheting, flowers and gardening. She was a good listener and never knew a stranger.

She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Cottonwood, the St. Elizabeth's Guild and the Women of St. Mary's. She volunteered her time playing cards with the elderly at the hospital and with the homebound.

Joan is survived by her husband of 50 years at the family home; five daughters and their husbands, Sally and Scott Schongalla, Mary Lou and John Ansbaugh, Diana and Gary Hattrup, Peggy and Russell Matson, and Nita and Arnie Chandler; one son, Bernie Geis; a sister, Ella Mae Bender; a brother, Bud Wensman; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and one granddaughter, Sara.

A vigil will be held and the rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Cottonwood. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial will follow at Cottonwood Catholic Cemetery.

Joe and Joan Geis of Cottonwood celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary Saturday June 26, 1993

He and Joan Wensman were married June 27, 1953, at Greencreek, Idaho. He is a retired logger and she works at St. Mary's Hospital at Cottonwood.

They have one sons, five daughters and 10 grandchildren.