Joan K. Stucki

Joan K. Stucki, a twenty-year resident of Richland, WA passed away on May 19, 2016 after a brief battle with cancer. She was the beloved daughter of Samuel and Mildred (Rogers) Russell. She was born March 24, 1931, in Dallas, TX and was raised in Kilgore, TX along with her older brother Jim.

Joan graduated from Kilgore High School in 1949. She then attended Stevens College, in Columbia, MO, and graduated from the University of Texas, in Austin, with a Bachelor of Arts in English.

Joan led an adventurous life, working in Yellowstone Nat’l Park during college breaks, followed by several years as a “stewardess” for Braniff International Airlines. We loved hearing stories about her travels, and the friendships she made along the way.

In 1956, she married Benjamin J. Stucki. She was blessed with three children from that marriage. During our lives in Texas, California, and Washington, Joan took every opportunity to teach, nurture, and fill us with a sense of adventure. She was especially proud to have instilled a love of reading in her three children. This love has been passed down to her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren.

When Joan’s life threw challenges her way, she tackled them with grace, humor, incredible wit, and pride. She will be loved and remembered by so many for these traits.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Mildred.

She is survived by her brother, James Russell (Priscilla) of Grand Prairie, TX; children, Jennifer Ricci (Ted) of Richland, WA, John Stucki (Sue) of Goldendale, WA, and Bill Stucki (Betsy) of Mossy Rock, WA. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Joel Willits (Lynn), Kelsey Willits, Ryan Willits, Christina Stucki, Rebecca Robertson (Nick), Corey Edmark (Angela), Anna Stucki, Sam Stucki, Gus Stucki, Benton Ricci (Andrea), and Brandon Ricci (Iliana); great-grandchildren: Avery and Addison Willits, Corbin Ricci (and a sibling on the way), Braydon and Easton Ricci, Violet Catron, and Dante Edmark; nephews: Randy Russell (Alice), Clay Russell (Calvin) and their families also survive her. Numerous family members, Stucki family members, and lifelong friends will love and miss her.

Joan’s family would like to thank the many folks who provided her with loving care throughout her final years and months, Dr. Sam Datta and staff, Lydia Minnick and her Safeway Pharmacy staff, and the wonderful members of her Hospice Team (Sheila, Rahel, Erika, and Victor as well as the staff at Hospice at the Chaplaincy.

Finally, Joan’s family is so grateful to Sweet Meadows Adult Family Home (Fatima and Moe) for the safe and loving home you gave to our mother during her final three weeks. You were truly a blessing to us all, and we will forever be grateful for the care you provided.

The family is planning a memorial service for Joan, at a date to be determined. It will be held at Luther Senior Center, in Richland, WA. Joan lived a safe and happy life there, surrounded by friends, for over eighteen years.