Joan Catherine Sanders "Joanie" went to join our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 23, 2015, at the age of 75. She was born on Feb. 22, 1940, on a farm in the farmhouse near Sanborn, Iowa, to Dale and Janette Graham. She graduated from Sanborn High School in 1958 where she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen. Joan attended college at University of Iowa, but left school prior to graduation to marry her high school/junior high sweetheart, James S. Sanders III of Sanborn, Iowa, in June 1960. They were married for 55 years. They had three children: Brian, Jeff and Shelley.

Jim and Joan moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, after Jim had finished college in 1963 at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. Jim started working at Lakeland High School in Rathdrum, Idaho, and Joan was busy raising their young family. Joan began her long nursing career in 1974 at Pinewood manor. She returned to school at North Idaho College to receive her RN degree. She continued her nursing career at Kootenai Memorial Hospital in the CCU and ICU units. Joan retired from nursing in 2001, but continued to be active in parish nursing at First Presbyterian Church.

Joan enjoyed vacuuming, reading, entertaining friends and family, crying for joy while blessing the meals, camping, dancing, swimming, bowling and spending time at Priest Lake with her husband Jim and many many friends and family. Did we mention dancing and vacuuming? Joan enjoyed being an Elder and Deacon in the First Presbyterian Church and being involved in many church activities. She enjoyed studying the Bible with her many friends. She always had open arms with a bigger than life hug, smile and loving heart for all whom she touched in her lifetime.

Joan is survived by her husband, James (Jim) Sanders of Coeur d'Alene; son Brian Sanders of Coeur d'Alene; son Jeff (Suzann) Sanders of Twin Lakes; daughter Shelley Sanders of Coeur d'Alene; brother Woody (Angie) Graham of Des Moines, Iowa; sister Holly (Jerry) Watters of Indianola, Iowa; sister Laurie (Ann) Graham of Eugene, Ore.; and four grandchildren. Joan was preceded in death by Robin, her infant brother; Jeanette Graham mother and Dale Graham father.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2015, at the First Presbyterian Church, 521 Lakeside Ave. in Coeur d'Alene with a reception to follow. Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, is entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Joan's online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.