On July 7, 2026, Joan Kison, formerly of Ritzville, Washington, was taken to heaven to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, surrounded by her family. She was 88 years old.

Joan was born in 1938 in the quiet plains town of Benkelman, Nebraska. When she was still a little girl, her family moved west to the Walla Walla Valley. There, surrounded by rolling hills and orchard country, Joan spent much of her childhood, where she grew to love the Blue Mountains.

Just before her junior year of high school, Joan’s family relocated to Ritzville, Washington.

In Ritzville, her lifelong friend, Vivian Allert Grams, introduced her to Larry Kison, a hardworking farm boy two years her senior. Larry’s steady nature perfectly complemented Joan’s outgoing personality, and the two quickly fell in love. After graduating from Ritzville High School in 1956, they were married that November.

Joan worked as a telephone operator in Ritzville, a position that suited her well, as she enjoyed connecting people and brought kindness to everyone she spoke with. Later, she worked at Pfann’s Pharmacy in Ritzville as a clerk and cosmetics advisor, attending annual cosmetic training classes in Spokane. Joan and Larry were blessed with two daughters, Susan and Renee.

Although they lived in town, the Kison family made frequent trips to the family farm in Ralston, where many treasured memories were made. Joan created a loving home filled with warmth, laughter, and traditions that her family would cherish for generations.

Joan had a remarkable gift for creating beauty. Her flower gardens were lovingly tended through every season.

She was an exceptional baker and cook, known especially for her beautifully decorated cakes and homemade caramels, which were enjoyed by people near and far.

She also enjoyed counted cross stitch, quilting, and flower arranging. She entered many of her creations in the Ritzville Fair and delighted in earning Grand Champion ribbons, as well as the sense of community the fair brought.

Joan treasured traveling with friends and family, making wonderful memories on trips to Hawaii, Nashville, and Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Luella Potter Artz and Frank Artz; her sister, Nancy Schafer; and her brother, Gene Artz.

Joan is lovingly survived by her devoted husband of nearly seventy years, Larry Kison of Spokane; her daughters, Susan Schneidmiller and her husband, Kevin, of Post Falls, Idaho, and Renee Krivoshein and her husband, Scott, of Walla Walla, Washington; four grandchildren, Emily Hodgson (Drew), Derek Schneidmiller (Ashton), Katie Crawford (Jake), and Tara Krivoshein (Andrew); six cherished great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends.

Joan’s legacy is one of love, creativity, hospitality, and quiet service. She found joy in caring for others and creating beautiful things with her hands and heart. Her love and example will leave her family strengthened and sustained for generations.

A memorial service celebrating Joan’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 4, at 11:00 a.m. at the Methodist Church in Ritzville, Washington. In lieu of flowers the family request that contributions be made to Wheat Land Communities Fair.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23