Joann Caton

• Mom was born Wanda Joann Morrow on April 28, 1933 in Macomb, IL to Allen Elmo Morrow and Myrtle Marie Barrett Morrow, the first of three daughters to Elmo and Myrtle.

• Sister Marilyn Janet Morrow would follow a year later on July 19, 1934

and Sister Audrey Ellen Morrow some years later on April 4, 1939

Growing up and Early Years:

• Growing up in the early years of the depression the family moved around as her father Elmo found work as a machinist, truck driver, and ranch manager in Montana.

The family eventually settled in Portland, Oregon during WWII.

Joann and her sisters attended Creston Grade School in SE Portland (where they saw the school burn one year), and Franklin High School where she graduated in 1951.

During this time Joann was involved with Girl Scouts, church youth group at Central Christian Church, singing, playing with the family cockier spaniel Scotty, and family trips to the beach (Pacific City) and family property off German Town road.

Also during this time she met and dated a young man named Chester (Chet) C. Caton , who also attended Central Christian Church and attended Franklin High School,

Marriage, and early family years:

• Joann married Chet Caton in June 1954.

After marrying, the newlyweds moved to Eugene, OR where Chet attended Northwest Christian College to pursue the ministry.

But as fate would have it, they left school to move back to Portland and help start a new family laundry business. When the new business didn't work out, (ie burn down) they remained working in Portland and started a new family.

First came son Jeffrey Allen Caton born on November 27, 1957

Followed by a daughter Julie Lynn Caton born on January 2, 1959

During the 60's Joann was a home maker and part-time office manager.

The young couple were involved with church youth work at Central Christian Church and later attended Englewood Christian Church where Joann sang in the choir and Chet was an Elder leader.

The young family also enjoyed camping and hunting trips, and leading Boy Scout troop 11.

Joann was also active in her children's school activities. And was PTA President at Kennedy Grade School.

Joann Widowed March 1970.

• Joann was widowed in March 1970 after Chet passed from a battle with cancer.

Following the passing of Joann's husband she moved to Beaverton Oregon to raise her two kids. The family continued enjoying camping and hunting trip, and involvement with school and church youth activities at Englewood and Somerset Christian Church.

She also started working full time as a medical clinic business manager and eventually as a Hospital Business Manager for Cedar Hills Hospital. She later worked for OR DHS from where she retired.

Joann enjoyed music and singing through-out her life. From 1973 to 1975 she was involved with a Gospel Trio 'The Good News Singers” . Joann also continued working with church youth and singles groups.

Leading up to and during her retirement years she enjoyed many travel experiences going to Europe on Reformation Pilgrimages , cruises through the Panama Canal, Mexico and Yucatan, and many trips to Hawaii.

Joann enjoyed time with special people - her grand kids, sisters, in-laws, and church friends.

Her final years were spent under the loving care of an assisted care provider Dina.

Joann passed peacefully on October 12, 20017 of complications tfrom dementia/Alzheimers. She is now enjoying a reunion in heaven with those that have gone before where she can join singing alto with them in the heavenly choir.

One night I had a dream.

I was walking along the beach with the Lord and across the sky flashed scenes from my life.

In each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonged to me, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

I noticed that many times along the path of my life there was only one set of footprints.

I also noticed that it happened at the worst times in my life.

This really bothered me and I questioned the LORD about it.

"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you would walk with me all the way.

But I've noticed that during times of trouble there is only one set of footprints.

I don't understand why, when I needed you most, you would leave me."

The LORD replied,

"My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never, never leave you during

your times of trial and suffering. When you see only one set of footprints,

it was then that I carried you."