Joane Grace (Bentley) Lunday, loving mother

Joane Grace (Bentley) Lunday died peacefully in Reno on June 3,
2004 with her loving daughter Colleen at her side. Joane was born
on May 16, 1930 to Marion and Margaret Bentley in Spokane,
Washington. Joane spent her childhood years in Spokane while her
father worked on the Grand Coulee Dam project. In 1939 her sister
Linda was born. In the early 1940s the family moved to Portland,
Oregon where her father worked at Swan Island Shipyard. In 1948 her
youngest sister Tamara Sue was born. Joane attended Roosevelt High
in Portland where she met Buzz (Don) Lunday, and in 1951 they
married. In 1955 Joane and Buzz moved to Marin County. Joane was
devoted to her children Margaret Jewell, Colleen Grace, and David
Michael. She loved spending time with them and was always up for an
adventure. She loved taking her children on camping trips, singing
songs, playing games, birdwatching, rock hounding, shopping in
thrift stores or just talking. She taught Meg, Colleen, and David a
true love of learning, an appreciation of nature and the joy of
being alive. On July 25, 1980 Joane’s first grandchild, David
Michael Jr. was born to David and Susan. Little David was the joy
of her world. In 1985 Aron and his son Joey entered her life and in
1987 she converted to Judaism. After 30 years in Whittier, Joane
retired to Reno to be near her daughter Colleen. Joane leaves
behind her grandchildren Beatrice Elaine, Margaret Grace, and Drake
Mackenzie, along with their parents David and Edee who currently
reside in Germany; her life-long friend Buzz (Don) and his wife Jan
of Greeley, Colorado; Joey Gantell of Los Angeles; daughter Meg and
Bob of Healdsburg; sister Tammy and Bob of Seattle; sister Linda
and Daryl of Arizona; and daughter Colleen and Dennis of Reno.
Colleen will long be held dear in the hearts of family members as
an angel for her devoted care of Joane during these last six years.
To honor Joane’s light and love, plant a rose, sing songs, bake
cookies, read a good mystery, or go on an adventure. She is truly
an incredible soul.