Joann Darlene Larson

When she was born the attending physicians were not optimistic about her life expectancy or her ability to develop activities of daily living, Jody has proved them wrong. Her parents encouraged her and gave her no special treatment. She was developmentally delayed but learned how to walk, talk, and feed herself. She often said, “I can do it myself!”

She lived in the Lura Turner Homes for Adults with Developmental Disabilities for 42 years and thrived. She would come to her parents’ home for weekends and holidays but would let them know her visit was over and it was time to go home to Phoenix. She loved the people she lived with at the Lura Turner Homes and her family thanks them for the superior care they provided for Jody over the years.

Jody loved bowling, dancing, music, having her fingernails polished, teasing, and ‘hamburger, French fries, and a Coke.’

She was a light to all of us. She would let you know what she liked, she would let you know what she didn’t like and could stamp her little foot, put her hand on her hip and shake her finger at you. There was a stubborn streak that helped her live 63 years.

We love you Jody-you are a hoomha!

She is survived by her sister Donna (Roy) Tuttle, Gilbert, AZ and Bill Larson, Elko, NV. She has nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as the Zahn family who have encouraged and loved her over the years.

The following organizations have had been influential in helping Jody live a long and fulfilling life: Arizona Recreation Center for the Handicapped, Camp Civitan, Central United Methodist Church, Christian Ambassadors’ Bible Class, Civitans of Sun Cities, CrossRoads United Methodist Church, Hands On Greater Phoenix, Litchfield Park First Baptist Church, Los Olivos Senior Center, Lura Turner Homes’ Day Training for Adults, Madison Baptist Church, Metro Civitans, Phoenix Bird Civitan Club, Scout Troop 2529, and Whispering Hope Ranch.

In lieu of flowers please consider a tax deductible donation to luraturnerhomes.org to help them continue their mission of serving the special needs community.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.resthavencarrtenney.com for the Larson family.

A special thanks is to go to Hospice of the Valley. They took great care of Jody; their hard work and kindness does not go un-noticed. Thank you Hospice of the Valley!