Joan Gail Sorenson

Joan Sorenson, 70, of Twin Falls passed away Sunday, May 29th in her daughter’s home after her long battle with COPD. Joan was born July 12, 1940 in Yakima, WA. She was the 3rd girl and a surprise to Ilda and LeRoy Banks. As a girl, she lived in Oak Grove, OR and enjoyed her two sisters, Ardell Mable and LaVonne Lyons. Then in grade school moved to Spokane WA. As a child and young woman, Joan enjoyed swimming, life saving achievements; tumbling and time with her favorite cousin, Charlee De Trolio, especially at the lake. At 16, Joan met the man she knew she would marry, Ewil Lee Garrett. On Feb 9, 1957, Joan and Ewil did marry and honored ‘until death do you part’. They had two daughters, Cindy Jo Garrett and Venessa Henscheid. In the early years of marriage and parenthood, Joan and Ewil were involved in their favorite passion, Jim Kana (horses) judging and shows. Being involved in many sports, endless adventures and spending time with friends, neighbors and her children were the highlights of her life. When Joan and Ewil moved to Twin Falls in 1970 to co-own and manage the Apollo Motor Inn, they truly planted their roots. Joan enjoyed golfing, darts, white water rafting and bowling. Ewil passed away in 1987. Then in 1988, Joan married the 2nd love of her life. She was blessed to have two loving relationships in her life. Joan sold the motel, shortly after marrying Roy so they could enjoy the freedom of retirement. Joan was blessed to gain new family members Rod and Sue ; Steve and Mary Sue; and John and Pam along with all their children. With Roy, Joan enjoyed traveling; the Moose Lodge activities and achievements; and the time in her home and especially her yard. Joan achieved the highest honor in the local Twin Falls Moose Lodge of Senior Regent in 2003. Joan was also the Recorder for several years and also served her Moose Lodge in all officer positions through the years. In 2009, Joan said goodbye to her second husband and honored yet again ‘until death do you part’. Joan shortly thereafter moved in with her daughter and enjoyed their home and fantastic yard.

Joan is survived by her two children; Cindy Jo (Charlene Spencer) Garrett, Venessa (William) Henscheid and her three stepsons; Rod (Sue) Sorenson, Steve (Mary Sue) Sorenson and John Sorenson. Her grandchildren; Michael (Grace) Henscheid, Scott (Tara) Henscheid, Elizabeth Henscheid,and step-grandchildren; Jim Sorenson, Jodi Robinson, Cody Robinson, Chance Sorenson, Kyle Sorenson, Aisha Sorenson. Her step-great-grandchildren; Austin, Braiden, Schuyler, and Colten Robertson.

The family would like to offer our greatest appreciation to Stacy, Cindy and Donnie of Guardian Hospice and Jane of Angel’s Touch for all their guidance, assistance and compassion.

A Memorial Celebration of Joan’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 2, 2011 at White Mortuary “Chapel by the Park”. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Moose Charities, PO Box 716, Twin Falls, ID 83301. To share a memory of Joan or to offer condolences to Joan’s family please visit www.whitemortuary.com