Joan Bagott

Joan Carol Bagott, a resident of Palouse, Washington, passed away Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Sunshine Peak Adult Family Home in Pullman with her husband at her bedside. Joan, called Joanie by family and friends, was born December 22, 1940, in St. Paul, Minnesota to Charles and Zoe Jersak. She was their first child, followed by brothers Bob and Dan. Joanie attended schools in St. Paul, graduating from Central High School in 1958.

Joanie learned many office skills from her mother, who was an office manager for a small insurance company in their neighborhood. After graduating from high school, Joanie moved to Seattle to assist an aunt taking care of three small children alone, while her husband was stationed in the Aleutian Islands for Northwest Airlines. Joanie was employed by Frederick & Nelson in downtown Seattle, holding several positions related to general office work. In l963, Joanie changed employment and eventually became lead stenographer in the steno pool for Standard Oil Company. It was there that she met John (Bud) Bagott, who was also employed by Standard Oil Company in the accounting office. They dated a year, enjoying exploring the Puget Sound area, new ground for both of them. Bud and Joanie were married in St. Paul on March 21, 1964.

In September, 1965, Bud and Joanie moved to Colorado when Bud began a job with the Dodge Division of Chrysler Corporation. Joanie found an office job with another oil company in downtown Denver. A couple of years later, Bud was promoted to the position of district manager working out of Pueblo, Colorado, where they moved. Joanie was able to again put her office skills to use and found work near their home. It was there in Pueblo where their first child, Mike, was born in August of 1969.

In May of 1970 the family of three moved to Palouse where Bud went to work with his father assisting with everyday operations at Bagott Motors. Their daughter, Melissa, joined the family in February of 1973. Once both Mike and Melissa were in school, Joanie started getting her feet wet working with her mother-in-law to learn bookkeeping necessary for Chrysler Corporation requirements for all new car dealers, eventually taking over all office duties upon Bud's parents retiring. Bud and Joanie were very active in their children's lives, attending sporting events, piano recitals, helping with scouting projects and taking many vacations together.

Joanie was an active member of Chapter AE P.E.O. and the Palouse Federated Church. Her office skills enabled her to prepare the weekly church bulletins and monthly newsletters for many years. Joanie learned how to quilt in her later years and enjoyed making quilts for her home and family. She also enjoyed her flower gardens, yard work and keeping a clean and comfortable home. Joanie was especially excited to become a grandmother to three delightful little girls who she helped care for when they were young.

Survivors include her husband of more than 54 years, Bud, of Palouse; son, Mike (Darcie) of Palouse, daughter Melissa (Jason) Hanson of Genesee, Idaho; brothers Bob and Dan of St. Paul Minnesota, and granddaughters, Emily Kate Bagott at Montana State University in Bozeman, and Molly Beth and Shelby Ann Hanson of Genesee. She was preceded in death by both parents, Charles and Zoe Jersak.

The family greatly appreciates the loving care Joanie received from both Bella Vista Adult Family Home and Sunshine Peak Adult Family Care during her final 8-1/2 years.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held for Joanie November 10 at Palouse Federated Church at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Corey Laughary officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Palouse Federated Church or others by choice of donors.

Kramer Funeral Home of Palouse is caring for the family. Online condolences can be left at kramercares.com.