Joan Cecile Arrington

Joan Cecile Arrington, age 79, a longtime resident of the Deep Creek area near Northport, WA, passed away on May 30, 2022 at her home.  Joan was born on March 15, 1943 in Kansas City, MO, the daughter of John Cecil and Mildred L. (Nelson) Brower.

Joan's early years began in Kansas City, MO where she was raised on the family ranch.  Following the passing of her father, when Joan was only nine, her family began moving their way to Phoenix, AZ.  Joan graduated from high school in Phoenix and then began a family.  In the late 1960's they moved to the Deep Creek area near Northport.  There she found true love and married Arthur Arrington on January 25, 1969.  Together they worked the ranch and Joan found her joy as a city girl turned rancher.  She worked fields, cared for the livestock and took great pride in the operation of "her bailer" and the other farm equipment.  She learned to cook from scratch and made true pumpkin pies as well as learning to can and being well known for her perfect applesauce.  Her candy confections were plentiful during the holiday season and delivered throughout the community.  When an escape from ranch life was needed, Joan loved to visit the theatre for a good science-fiction action-adventure movie such as Tremor or Star Wars.  She and Art took great pride in their ranch and received the accolade of "Cattlemen of the Year" in 1991.  Her quite evenings were spent turning page after page of any book she could get her hands on.  Art preceded Joan in death on April 30, 2021 and with a tireless love, she longed to be with him every day.

She and Art loved to travel.  Art only had to mention a travel destination and Joan quickly had the travel plans made and accommodations awaiting their arrival.  They visited Ireland, Scotland, England, New Zealand, Washington D.C., Hawaii and many of the contiguous lower 49 states.  Her gift of creativity was seen in the countless painted rocks, self-designed and patterned crochet animals and hand sewn quilts to keep everyone she knew warm through the winter nights.  She decorated her home in holiday delight for all to see and feel the spirit of the seasons.  Joan's Thanksgiving Day dinners were an expanse of food, fellowship and where fantastic memories could be shared and created.  Her adventurous spirit flew her to foreign lands,  on horseback across rugged hills and often afoot down to the creek were a worm, hook and bubbling brook were just right.  May her spirit find Art's hand and they ride forever through Heavens hallowed land.

Joan was preceded in death by her sister, Judy Sund.

She is survived by her children, Sally Pierce (Ralph) of Northport, WA, John McGill (Gena Cain) of Colville, WA and Pat McGill of Spokane, WA; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and a host of extended family and friends.

A family gathering was held in honor of Joan C. Arrington.  She will be laid to rest beside her husband, Art, on the ranch.  Memorial contributions may be given to the charity of your choice.  Please visit the on-line memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com .  Danekas Funeral Chapel and Cremator is entrusted with the arrangements.