Tehachapi Public Cemetery District ~ Eastside

© Tehachapi News
Monday, 26 March 2007

Joanne [Turner] Violett
1929 - 2007

Loving and beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Joanne cherished her family above all else. She gave so much of herself to others, possessed great qualities of character and kindness, lived with grace and had an innate goodness that touched all those who were lucky enough to be a part of her life.

Joanne was born to Olive Winsloe and James Harry Turner in Kansas City, Mo. Her father was a professional musician, and they travelled around the country before settling in Billings, Montana, where she finished school before attending Montana State University. There she met Byron Violett, and shortly after graduation in 1951, they were married. While in Montana, they had three children.

They lived in Oregon and Washington (where they added two more kids to the brood), and then moved to Northridge in 1967. She was a volunteer in the PTA, Red Cross, Little League, Job's Daughters, Boy Scouts and spent 55 years in Girl Scouts in various capacities.

Joanne and Byron retired to Bear Valley Springs in 1982 and they traveled extensively, touring through all 50 states, as well as internationally. She had a lifelong love of sports, playing basketball, softball and volleyball and watching her kids' and grandkids' games prior to taking up golf in retirement, which became her great passion.

In addition to her devoted husband Byron, she leaves four daughters: Vicki Tate, Roanna Bennie, Sue Hillendahl and Jana Ostrovsky; and one son, Byron James Violett; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Joanne will be greatly missed.

Graveside services were held Saturday, March 24, at Tehachapi Public Cemetery~Eastside. Arrangements were handled by Wood Family Funeral Service.

Joanne [Turner] Violett, May 4, 1929 ~ March 17, 2007