Joan "Joanie" Kristine Crist

Joan "Joanie" Kristine Crist, 70, of La Grande, died Sept. 18 at Grande Ronde Hospital. A celebration of life is planned for Oct. 23. Details will be announced later.

Joan was born March 28, 1940, to George A. and Gladys M. (Tanner) Starner in Eugene. Joan, also known as "Joanie" and "The Joaneth," graduated from Siuslaw High School in Florence. She then met and married the love of her life, Buddie Crist.

She was a nurse's aide and caregiver for her mother-in-law for 10 years.

She enjoyed walking, taking drives and traveling as well as writing, reading, rock hounding, going to movies and eating out.

She especially enjoyed her penpals. Her favorite activity was spending time with her grandchildren.

Joan is survived by her husband, Buddie Crist I; son, Buddie Crist II and his wife, Lanna, of La Grande; daughter, Melody Crist of Baker City; brother, George Starner and his wife, Jane, of Umatilla; sister, Shary Starner of Puyallup, Wash.; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and 15 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Delvin Starner; and mother-in-law, Lucille Crist.

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