Joanne Clarkson

Joanne A Clarkson, 67, passed away at home peacefully in her sleep on November 23, 2019

Born September 7, 1952 in New York City to John and Ana Isabel (Sued) Arroyo, she was youngest of 5

Joanne worked in the banking and financial fields for many years and earned her BA in Sociology and AA in Business Administration from the University of Great Falls in January 1997, while holding down a full time job and raising a family--an achievement we are proud of her for, because we know we didn't make it easy!  She also worked as a SOAR Case Manager, Client Financial Services Specialist and Intake Coordinator, for Mind Springs Health in Grand Junction, CO from 2007 until her early retirement in November 2013.  She served on the board for Housing Resources of Western Colorado and enjoyed volunteering at Hope West Hospice, the public library teaching English and her local animal shelter whenever possible.  She was very much an animal lover and had recently become a pet sitter which gave her great joy.  She loved all children, especially spending time with her grandchildren, and even had a short children's story published in 1990.

Joanne had a heart of gold and was always willing to help others.  She was very kind and loving, easy with a laugh and had a warm smile.  She loved being a Mom and Grandmother and never missed a chance to get down on all fours to play, even if it meant a trip to the Chiropractor the next day.  She was dedicated to her friends and family and had an unwavering faith in her Lord.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, sister Lucille Arroyo, and her husband David Clarkson.  She is survived by her children, Sarah Keen (David) and Seth Luksha (Megan); grandchildren Hunter and Harper; brothers John Arroyo (Andrea) and Robert Arroyo; sister Celia Borrillo; former husband Steve Luksha as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Joanne will be laid to rest in the Mountains of Montana where she was always at peace.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks for all who knew and loved her, to please celebrate her whenever you can.