This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Colby, Schoonover Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wQJ.2ACEB/747 Message Board Post: Joan Jean Colby entered into Heaven to join her beloved husband Jan. 5, 2006. She was born Nov. 11, 1927 in Richland Center, Wis., Growing up in Wisconsin, she graduated from the Richland Center High School. After graduating, she entered a private Cosmetology School in Madison, Wis. with the goal of becoming a Beautician. During this time she met Eugene W. Colby, her future and loving father of eight children. They met in Loyal, Wis. at the Grocery Store that Eugene's father owned. They celebrated 51 years together until he passed away in March 1999. Spending most of her life as a loving and supporting mother and wife, she did however find time for a career in electronics and her hobby painting. She dearly loved her painting and it showed with every stroke of her brush, truly professional and inspirational. Painting on anything, usually objects constructed out of wood by her husband Web. To the multitude who possess her art it will become a living memory of her. In her later years she became proficient at China Painting, and firing many pieces in her own Kiln. Having been a true inspiration to all of her children in the art of music, self-discipline and compassion towards life she leaves behind he extraordinary memory to everyone that has crossed her path. Her Motto "No one is a stranger, more an opportunity to share." She is survived by eight children; Jill Vanderkooi of Lakeside, Jan Mastin of Caliente, Nev., Craig Colby of Mesa, Carter Colby of Indianapolis, Ind., Carl Colby of Pell Lake, Wis., Clark Colby of Beloit, Wis., Curt Colby of Beloit, Wis.; brother, Allen Schoonover of Loyal, Wis.; 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Joan's family wishes to acknowledge all of the workers from the RTA Hospice and Palliative Care Center in Lakeside who lovingly took care of her in her final days and nights. Funeral services were held Monday, January 9, 2006 at Owens Mortuary in Show Low.