ANDERSON, JoAnn (Jody)

(Maiden Name: Johnson)

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted: Sunday, August 4, 2013 - JoAnn Anderson “Jody” was finally at peace July 16, 2013 after putting up a good fight against bone cancer and failing kidneys, both diagnosed in March 2012. Jody was born and raised in Idyllwild, Calif., March 5, 1936, to proud parents Gerald and Eleanor Johnson. Growing up with an identical twin sister, the two were well known throughout the small mountain community. Fraternizing and playing tricks on the likes of Elvis Presley (while on location, shooting “Kid Galahad”), Audie Murphy, Jane Powell, the cast of Bonanza and many others in the entertainment industry, to the chagrin of their father Gerald who worked hard to market Idyllwild as the “Ideal” spot for the movie industry in its proximity to Hollywood and the well known playground of Palm Springs. Jody chose the career as a talented beautician even having the honor of keeping Lucy Ball’s hair red. To support three kids as a single mother, she also worked as a manicurist and nurse’s aide. Jody made Lake Havasu City her home in the early 1990s and loved everything about her desert life. Having an artist’s eye, she saw beauty all around and never took anything for granted! While Jody will be greatly missed by many for her ability make one laugh, see things through more observant eyes or to just laugh at yourself with her forthright honesty and her compassion for others, she is leaving a large vacant spot in the hearts of her loved ones; daughters Cheryl Smith and Rita Anderson; son Willy Anderson; son-at-heart Billy Bob; brother Jerry Johnson and his wife Paulette. Her identical twin sister Carol Adamson of Idyllwild/La Quinta followed her in death only 9 days later. The family is very grateful for the care and professionalism their mother received from Hospice of Havasu, especially the kind and thoughtful way Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home handled everything. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to Jody’s family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.
Posted by mhenderson on August 08, 2013

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