BACKUS, Joan Norma

(Maiden Name: Ransom)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Tuesday, February 28, 2012 Joan Norma Backus, 73, of Prescott, Ariz., passed away Friday, Feb. 24, 2012, at the Good Samaritan Societies Hospice "Marley House," after a long and courageous struggle against carcinoid cancer. Joan was born Sept. 21, 1938, in Tucson, Ariz. There she attended Isaac grade school, and later moved to Phoenix, where she graduated from West Phoenix High School before entering Phoenix College. She lived in the years to follow in Ventura, California, and Mayer, Ariz., then finally settling in Prescott. It was in these various locations that Mrs. Backus contributed and devoted much of her time to being a Sunday School teacher and Brownie and Girl Scout leader, in addition to running a childcare business out of her home for 15 years. Joan's further community involvements included being an active member of D.A.R., The Red Hat Ladies, Lydia Circle and Rachel Circle. Joan will no doubt be fondly remembered by her many lifelong friends, as one who loyally and faithfully remained in contact with them, either through letters, phone calls, or the attending of reunions and various luncheons. Her family -which she held dearest to her heart - will forever remember her for the uncompromising love which she so sincerely displayed through her constant willingness to support and provide for whomever in need. Joan was preceded in death by her son John Coffin and her parents, John A. and Norma Ruth Ransom. She is survived by the love of her life, husband Bill Backus, and her beloved children Patty Culver (Richard), Greg Coffin (Raven) Charlotte Schaible (Mike), Helen Crowl (Ryan) and stepson Scott Atcheson. Joan's surviving siblings include Johnny, Michael, Tim, Susan and Mary. She also has seven grandchildren whom she immensely adored: Ian, Richie, Austin, Sierra, Braiden, Brianne and Briar. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 3, 2012, at The Prescott Presbyterian Church 137 N. Marina St., Prescott. A celebration of Joan's life will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the Calvary Chapel 2313 E. SR69, Prescott. Please visit www.heritagemortuary.com to sign Joan's online guestbook. Services entrusted to Heritage Memory Mortuary. Information provided by survivors.
Posted by Sharla on February 29, 2012

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