Joan LaMarsh

Obituary for Joan Irene LaMarsh

(9/18/1942 – 10/24/2021)

Joan Irene (Henley) LaMarsh was born to Arvil Lee Henley and Wilda Irene (Woodell) Henley in Yakima, WA while traveling through as they were moving to Bellingham, WA.

The family continued their move to Bellingham, WA when she was three weeks old. Like the Loretta Lynn song, she was a coal miner’s daughter and lost her dad at the young age of thirteen.

Joan graduated from Bellingham High School and was working at Barters Drive-in when she met the love of her life (while cruising with her friends) Clarence Richard (Rich/Dick) LaMarsh. They were married after a whirlwind courtship (6 weeks) and moved to Whidbey Island where Rich was stationed at the Naval Air Base.

They started their family and moved back to Whatcom County and raised their family in Ferndale.

Joan devoted her life to raising her family of 3 daughters, supporting her husband and being a committed daughter to her mother.

Her favorite color was lavender. Her main hobby was bowling (which she was good at) and she served as the secretary to many of the leagues that she was a member of. She golfed and loved to travel.

She was famous for her annual Christmas Party, cookie exchange and the wild and fun gift exchange game.

She enjoyed shopping, going to lunch with her friends (whom she cherished and had many of) and playing the slot machines.

Her ultimate joy was her grandchildren. Zackary Thomas Richard Watts, Jesse Richard Engholm, Philip Thomas Lange, Zeth Quinn Watts, Danielle Rae Lange, Connor Monroe Engholm, David Alan Lange and her five great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Orville Henley and her beloved husband.

She is survived by her 3 daughters: Cheryl Renie (Stephen) Watts, Cindy Rae (Daniel) Lange and Christina Rose LaMarsh along with her brother Sam (Carol) Henley.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the cancer center or hospice who treated Joan with dignity and respect which her family is extremely thankful for.

At her request there will be no funeral or memorial services.