Joanna S. Schlagel

Joanna S. Schlagel passed away May 26, 2008, at Deaconess Medical Center, Spokane, with her loving family by her side.

She was born Dec. 11, 1934, in Van Hook, N.D., to John and Murriel King Kjolaas. She lived there until age 9 at which time she moved with her parents to Yakima. She received her education in the Yakima School District where she graduated from Yakima High in 1952.

Joanna met Bill Schlagel in 1953. On Nov. 27, 1954, they were married in Yakima, where they lived until they moved to Othello in 1957 where they have made their home for 51 years. They raised three children, Greg, Terri and Donnie who were the light of her life.

In 1973 Joanna began working at Lutacaga School for five years as a kitchen assistant. She then transferred to Scootney Springs School and worked as an educational assistant for 15 years. She retired in 1993. Her hobbies were camping, gardening and playing with her grandchildren. Joanna enjoyed all holidays, but Christmas was very special to her because it was a time when all of her family would be together. She is a longtime member of the Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Othello.

She is survived by husband Bill, children Greg (Ruthann) Schlagel, Terri ( Greg) Couette and Donald ( Frances) Schlagel, two sisters: Rinnie (Shannon) Bruton, Phoebe (Gene) Watson and brother: Monty (Sue) Kjolaas. Grandchildren: Jason, Leah, Kylee, Devan, Kennady Schlagel, Alex, Heather, Josh Couette, Joseph (Brigitte) Fasching, Justin, Sara and Brandon Schlagel and numerous nieces and nephews. Her parents and three sisters preceded her in death.

A final visitation will be held Friday, May 30 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Chapel. Services will be held Saturday, May 31 at 1 p.m. at the Othello Nazarene Church.

Cremation under the direction of Stevens Funeral Chapel.

To view a picture, read the obituary, sign the guest book and light a candle for Joanna, visit stevensfuneralchapel.com.