Joann Kirkman Cole

CASA GRANDE - JoAnn Kirkman Cole, 69, died on Oct. 7, 2017, in Casa Grande.
Mrs. Cole was born on Oct. 27, 1947, to Robert G. and Pearl Butler Kirkman. Growing up, she was active in student government, editor of the school newspaper and graduated from high school with honors. She attended Brigham Young University and received a degree in elementary education. She then married her sweetheart, Dallas Cole, in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They raised four children, and she chose to stay home and care for her family.
She also valued learning and education and eventually went back to school to earn a master's degree in literacy education. She enjoyed teaching at the elementary school level for almost 15 years and made a difference in many young lives. She was known for creating beautiful cakes for her children's birthdays and filling the holidays with family traditions and home cooking. She also enjoyed gardening and going on walks. She was an active member of the LDS church her entire life and loved to study the scriptures.
Survivors include her husband of 48 years; three adult children, Shannon Davis, Ryan Cole and Anne Hinebaugh; two sisters, Betty Williams and Pauline Cameron; and 10 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Glen and Blaine Kirkman, and a son, Justin Cole.
Memorial service at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at the LDS Casa Grande Stake Center. Interment in Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery at Marana.
J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel in charge of arrangements.