Marilyn “Joanne” Poland died on Feb. 5, 2020 at home in Hermiston at the age of 85.
Joanne (“Grandma Jo” to her grandchildren) was born on Oct. 13, 1934 in Emmett, Idaho to Homer and Martha “Goldie” Spears Garrett.
The family moved frequently during Joanne’s childhood, living in Idaho, California, Washington and Oregon. She graduated from Pilot Rock High School in 1953. From 1954 to 1957, she worked as a telephone operator for what was then Bell Telephone in Pendleton. She married her husband, Jesse Poland on June 1, 1957 at Calvary Baptist Church in Pendleton. They celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2017.
Joanne was a homemaker who loved spending time with her family and pets. She spent most of her married life in Pendleton, moving to Hermiston in 2014.
She is survived by her sons, Michael (Pamela) of Pendleton and Eric of Hermiston; daughter, Leah Stollar-Hooker (Mark) of Stanfield; granddaughters, Jasmine Stollar of Hermiston, Jade Hooker of Stanfield, Alexandria Poland of Pendleton and Jacinda Hooker of Stanfield; step-granddaughter, Andrea Elbert of La Grande; great grandson, Sylas Swanger of Hermiston; brother, Kenneth Garrett (Georgia) of Pendleton; two nephews, Alan and Brian Garrett and their families; along with several cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse in March 2018.
A private ceremony will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to a favorite charity or to the National Federation of the Blind, 200 E. Wells St. at Jernigan Place, Baltimore, Md., 21230.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in charge of arrangements.
