Celebrant Pam Meily Vetter


	Celebrating Life Everyone Has A Story...

In 1934, Joann Collie was born in Oklahoma City, OK, to Verna and Everett "Red" Collie. As the oldest born child, she was happy to welcome three siblings into the family: David, Carol and Kenny. Her father worked as a repairman, who held two jobs, while her mother was a homemaker. The family moved to Bakersfield and later settled in Bell Gardens. When Joann was young, her mother and Aunt Billie taught her how to knit and crochet. This set off a life-long love of arts and crafts. She had great talents creating the most beautiful ponchos and afghans.

Joann was attending Bell Gardens High School when she met Jacob Rynsburger at a party. They fell in love, married and had four wonderful children: Dennis, Donna, Donald and Diane. Jacob supported the family while working as a Dairyman. Joann and Jacob had a good marriage and took the kids on many trips such as camping in Yosemite or taking the motor home to Wyoming, Washington or to see the Grand Tetons. There were also trips to Pismo Beach and Carlsbad. Joann was a devoted mother who was waiting with a smile when the kids came home from school each day. She took care of her family. She let the kids play outside after school and then whistled to bring them inside to share the amazing dinners she cooked from scratch every single night. She also had a great appreciation for her children and ten grandchildren. She loved giving hugs and always told everyone, "I love you."

The hardest part of her life came with the unexpected death of her husband, Jacob, in 1990. But, she did her best to move forward. She had been friends with Richard Pruess and they fell in love and married in 1998. Her family is extremely grateful to Richard because he loved Joann so much. He cared for Joann, cooked, cleaned and even washed her hair for her. Richard will miss the closeness of their relationship and the time they spent together. Joann's family will miss everything about her. Dennis will miss her listening shoulder. Donna will miss her friendship and good talks. Diane will miss their special relationship. Her sister, Carol, will miss the daily phone calls. Her grandson, Michael, will miss her smile that always greeted him the moment he walked through the door. She was like a mother to him in many ways. Joann will be remembered as a devoted mother, a wonderful grandmother and good friend. Her advice to everyone would be to love each other every day.