Joanne Borris

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Joanne W. Borris, 78
Managing Editor 7/9/08 Joanne W. Borris, 78, formerly of Austin died Thursday, June 26, 2008 at her residence in Mesa, Ariz.
She was born June 2, 1930 in Lorimone, N.D., to Ray and Esther (Damm) Best.
Her family moved to Austin in 1935. She graduated from Austin High School in 1948. She married James Borris on August 27, 1950 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. She retired in 1983 from Hormel Foods after 35 years.
Joanne was a Charter member of the American Legion Auxiliary and a past Unit Auxiliary President from 1967 – 1968. She was also a Charter member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Austin.
Joanne and her husband, Jim, moved to Mesa permanently in 1993. Joanne loved the Arizona weather and enjoyed golfing, swimming and reading. Joanne was a volunteer for the Desert Samaritan Hospital of Mesa for 10 years as a greeter, secret security agent and pharmacy deliverer. She loved her volunteer work. Joanne believed that people should not dwell on past experiences, but live in the present and look forward to the future.
Joanne is survived by her husband, James Borris, Mesa; daughter, Jody Borris, Mesa; granddaughters, Samantha Borris, Rockaway, N.J., Kaela Sparks, Albuquerque, N.M.; daughter-in-law, Loretta Borris, Rockaway; sister, Lois Mienders, Des Moines, Iowa; sister-in-law, Beverly (Ray) Blowers, Austin; niece, Dana (Jon) Laughner, Urbandale, Iowa; nephew, Michael Blowers, Austin; niece Jan (Terry) Fox, Austin; niece, Sally (Chuck) Cleland, Brooklyn Park, Minn.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her son Thomas J. Borris.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 19, 2008 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church with the Reverend Glenn L. Monson officiating. Interment will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Austin. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday for one hour before the service. Organist will be Janet Gilbertson. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.