Joanne Johnson Rowse, 73, passed away in Paradise, California on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 following a stroke.

She was born September 11, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois to Victor and Helen Stein. The oldest of three sisters, she was raised in Burbank, California.

In 1957 she graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Home Economics. She began her teaching career in Utah, taught inner city students in St. Louis, Missouri, and taught fifteen years in Paradise, California, where she inaugurated the Independent Study Program.

A life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in many capacities including teaching, music, and as president of ward and stake Primary, Young Women and Relief Society organizations. From 2004-2005 she served with her husband as a humanitarian service missionary to Haiti. She loved to sing and enjoyed reading, camping and traveling to many countries with her husband. She found joy and fulfillment in the homemaking arts and welcomed all to her home. With her engaging smile, her open and accepting personality and her desire to serve others, she was a joy to know and loved by all who knew her. Her favorite and most loved accomplishment was family life. She raised six children and three step-children and rejoiced in all the grandchildren that followed. She was a beloved sister, a wonderful mom, a true friend, a great-grandma, and a perfect wife and sweetheart.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Dr. Blaine Johnson, son Brendon Rowse, son-in-law, Joe Jacobs, daughter-in-law Liz Johnson, and grandson Taylor Fink.

She is survived by Sisters, Nancy Drage (David) of Ft. Collins, Colorado, Vicki Noble (Alan) of Avondale, Arizona, Bonnie Bradley (Garry) of Waynesboro, Virgina, Husband Brent Rowse; Sons, Jeffrey Johnson (Helen) of San Jose, Courtney Johnson (Dana) of Madison, Wisconsin, Christopher Johnson of Salt Lake City, Utah; Daughters, Cindie Sorenson (Jan) of Chico, Mona Crompton (Perry) of Chino Hills, Jennifer Jacobs of Ojai, Jana Fink (Kris) of Bakersfield, and Marti Purvis (Todd) of Phoenix, Arizona; She also leaves behind 28 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Sunday, January 25, from 1-5 p.m. at Rose Chapel, 6382 Clark Road in Paradise.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, January 26, at 1:00 p.m. at the Latter-day Saints Church at 1045 Buschmann Road in Paradise, California.

Burial services will be held Thursday, January 29, in Logan, Utah.