Obituary of Joanne Despain

Joanne “Joansie” Babbitt Despain, 74, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2015 in her home surrounded by loved ones. She was born November 22, 1940, to the late Josephine and Herbert Babbitt and spent most of her life in Flagstaff and Rimrock, AZ. Joanne had her master’s degree in education and business. She was a teacher and counselor focused on special education and counseling at risk youth. She was a loving, and supportive mom, grandmother and wife, as well as a loyal friend. She was loved for her integrity, honesty, and fearless approach to all challenges. She had a quick wit and engaging personality. Joanne was a generous spirit who went out of her way to make her community a better place to live by helping those she encountered in any capacity she could; no one was a stranger. She always encouraged being the best person you could be. Joanne instilled appreciation for education, art, and natural beauty in her children and students. She actively taught young people how to grow up to be good citizens. Her hobbies included writing poetry, literature, sewing and photography. Throughout her life Joansie was involved in numerous honorary, museum, and historical societies. She is preceded in death by her husband Newell Dean Despain; her parents and her younger brother. She is survived by her four children Kenneth, Christopher, Janna and Deanne; her sister Nancy and brother “Butch” and eleven grandchildren. A memorial service was held October 8,2015. In lieu of flowers, a tax deductible donation can be made to Beaver Creek Elementary School – address 4810 E. Beaver Creek Road, Rimrock, AZ 86335. Donations made in Joanne’s name will directly benefit a program that helps special education student’s transition to high school.