December 9, 1931 – May 8, 2023

Joanne Estelle Bunker McReynolds was born December 9, 1931, to Joe and Ella Bunker at the family homestead on Bunker Creek in Lewis County Washington. Joanne passed away May 8, 2023, as a result of complications from a fall and broken hip.

Joanne married Joe McReynolds on September 17, 1948, and became Joanne “Darlin” (to Joe) McReynolds. They remained married until Joe’s passing in 2017. They were devoted to each other and Joanne never got over the passing of her beloved husband of nearly 70 years.

At the end of her life, Joanne suffered from Alzheimer’s. As the disease advanced, the question she asked most was, “Where is Joe?” and she frequently repeated that there had never been a day of their marriage that he hadn’t told her he loved her.

Their lives together saw many moves in their early years, but they settled In Forks in 1956 and remained there the rest of their lives, raising their boys, providing a second home to numerous nieces, nephews, and grandkids and being deeply involved in the community.

Joanne professed personal faith in the free gift of salvation by Christ’s sacrificial death on our behalf and demonstrated the Christ-likeness spoken of in Matthew 25:34·40. Above all else, Joanne was a caregiver. From her parents, siblings, husband, and children down to strays, both animal and human, she could not refrain from giving help.

Joanne is survived by her youngest brother Steve, who served as a caregiver for Joe and Joanne in their later years, her sons Wayne (Angie), Jeff, Pat (Melanie), and Clay (Michele), nine grandchildren (including Anthony McReynolds who, after the early death of his Mom, spent a great deal of time under Joanne’s loving wing, even living with Joe and Joanne at times), 11 great-grandchildren, 4 great·great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three younger siblings, Allen and David Bunker and Lois Bunker Woods, and her daughter-in-law Corinna McReynolds.

A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 250 Blackberry, in Forks, on June 3 at 1 p.m. In place of flowers please donate to Friends of Forks Animals, P O Box 2022, Forks.

Please join us for food and fellowship after the service.