Joan Archer

Joan Archer, 92 of Ephrata, Wa passed away Saturday, May 26, 2018 at Columbia Basin Hospital in Ephrata. She was born in Kanorado, Kansas on September 16, 1925 to Earl and Pauline Burd. She moved with her family across the country to escape the “Dust Bowl” and begin a new life. Her dad hoped to find work in the orchards around Yakima and they stopped overnight in Ephrata. Within hours of arriving in town Earl found work as a mechanic and Ephrata became home. Joan graduated in 1943 from Ephrata High School then attended Kinman Business College in Spokane. During that time she met a handsome P-38 fighter pilot who was stationed in Ephrata. After Jim returned from over seas they were married at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, AZ August 28, 1945. They returned to Ephrata for a short visit and stayed for a lifetime. Joan was an outstanding tennis player in high school and taught herself to play the piano. Later, golf became her passion. Her and Jim were active members at Lakeview Golf and Country Club. Her golf highlight was recording a hole-in-one at a course in Florida while on vacation. Each year one of her resolutions was to improve her golf game. Joan was a member of several community service organizations including P.E.O Sisterhood. She retired after many years as secretary at the Grant County Prosecutor’s office where she both intimidated and rescued many young struggling attorneys. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jim, sisters Earlene (Harvill), Norma Lee (Scheib) and a brother, Adrian. She is survived by a brother Robert of Gig Harbor; sons Gary (Sandy) and Jim (Kathy) both of Ephrata; grandchildren Geoff (Elizabeth Silver) of Seattle, Becca (Ryan) Doree of Spokane, Kacey (Jeff) Bivens of Vancouver, Karley (Mannual) Gomez of Pullman; 7 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. A celebration of life service will be held at Our Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 172 Ivy St, Ephrata at 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 9, 2018. Nicoles Funeral Home is in charge of services. Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.nicolesfuneralhome.com.

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Joan Archer

September 16, 1925 - May 26, 2018