Dayton Chronicle - Your Hometown News Source

Joan (Smith) McMunn

March 18, 1949–January 2, 2024

Joan (Smith) McMunn was called home to be with the Lord, January 2, 2024, following a recent battle with pancreatic cancer.

Joan was born March 18, 1949, in Walla Walla, Wash., to parents Ralph and Olive Smith. She grew up on a farm just outside of Dayton on the Whetstone. She had a blissful childhood growing up on the farm with her brother, Jerry and sisters Janet and Joy.

Joan graduated Dayton High School in 1967. She attended college both at WSU and Eastern University before settling down in Dayton and starting a family with her first husband. She had three children, Mitchell (Celene) Lockard, Mardell (Matt) Cox and Joel Lockard.

As a young mother, Joan was very active in teaching ballet and dance classes. She worked many different jobs around town, including the Dayton School, Ski Bluewood, the Dayton Chronicle and the Dayton City Pool. Teaching aquacise at the pool was something she really enjoyed.

She made the decision to go back to college to finish her nursing degree at Walla Walla Community College and graduated in 1994. "Nurse Joan" worked for Columbia County Public Health for 17 years before she retired in 2014.

Joan remarried in 2002 to Steve McMunn. Upon retirement the couple were able to acquire the farmhouse where she grew up. They poured a lot of time and love into remodeling her childhood home.

She was a member of the Dayton Christian Church for many years. She volunteered as a Sunday School teacher and, also, participated in multiple Bible studies. More recently, she and her husband Steve became members at the Dayton UB Church

Joan spent almost her entire life in Dayton, Wash. She was a well-known and beloved resident. She had an amazing smile and effervescent personality.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Olive Smith.

-Submitted photo

Joan (Smith) McMunn

She is survived by her husband Steve McMunn, children, Mitchell Lockard 50, Kennewick, Wash., Mardell Cox 47, Henderson, Nev., Joel Lockard 44, Astoria, Ore., Step-daughter Lori McMunn Zimmerman 59, Cave Creek, Ariz., brother Jerry Smith, sisters Janet Watts and Joy Bidwell. Joan was a beloved grandmother to six grandchildren, Rylee Cox, Ace Cox, Eliana Lockard, Christopher Waliser, Haley Sullivan, and Turner Sullivan.

It is in sadness that we write this notice but also with great joy that we know where she is. She is in the arms of Jesus! Her service will be at the Dayton United Brethren Church, 1106 S. 4th St. on Saturday, January 20 at 11 a.m.

Corbeill Funeral Homes in Dayton is caring for the family. On-line condolences may be made at http://www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com