JoAnn Lewis Williams-Sanders, 80

A Spirit Like No Other

JoAnn (Lewis) Williams-Sanders, 80, passed peacefully Feb. 12, 2026, holding her daughter’s hand while in the loving care of family. Born on April 6, 1945, in Rapid City, S.D., to Willard and Virginia Lewis, JoAnn brightened every room she entered with her quick laugh, fiery red hair and generous hugs.

JoAnn’s early years began in South Dakota, included a brief time in Colorado, and settled in Deary, Idaho, before the family moved to Coeur d’Alene for her high school years. She adored her big brother, Dave, spent countless carefree days on the Coeur d’Alene beaches with her dear friend, Linda, and cruised Sherman with friends. She graduated from Coeur d'Alene High School in 1963.

She attended the University of Idaho, where she studied Home Economics, and where fate — and a friend’s substitute date — introduced her to Dan Williams. They married in 1965 and welcomed daughter Catherine Blair (Blair) and son Michael Aaron.

A born homemaker with the eye of a perfectionist, JoAnn was “Martha Stewart” before the phrase existed — warm, nurturing, organized and fiercely protective. When Blair was critically ill as a child, JoAnn’s fierce motherly devotion was unmistakable: she refused to be separated from her daughter’s side and made sure no one stood in the way of care and comfort.

JoAnn’s professional life was marked by leadership, warmth and consistent excellence. She built a distinguished career in hospitality management and corporate catering across Idaho, northern California and Texas, including serving as the opening General Manager of Templin’s Resort and running high-profile catering for Levi Strauss, the state of California, and Doctors Company. Later, she turned her passion for community and thrift into a second career, revitalizing thrift stores — most notably growing the Good Samaritan Thrift Store in Helena, Mont., into a valued community resource. Her humor and infectious laugh made every workplace brighter; people followed her because she led with integrity and heart.

In 1992, JoAnn moved to Helena to care for her parents, and there she met Kenneth Sanders — a chance meeting by the Missouri River that became a deep, joyful marriage. Together they tended the farm, restored the old farmhouse, planted abundant flowers and shared a life full of love and companionship until Ken’s passing from Parkinson’s disease.

Always upbeat, always ready for the day, JoAnn lived and loved with gusto. Late in 2024, she moved in with her daughter and son-in-law as dementia began to take hold; her family cared for her with the same devotion she had shown them. JoAnn will be remembered as kind, funny, spirited, sometimes mischievous and unfailingly warm — the person neighbors, friends and strangers turned to for a listening ear and a comforting presence.

JoAnn is survived by her daughter, Catherine Blair Williams (James Hanson), and granddaughter Logan Hanson; son Michael Aaron Williams (Helen Williams), and granddaughters Reyla and Lauren Williams; and brother Dave Lewis (Karen). She was preceded in death by her parents, Willard and Virginia Lewis, and brother Richard Lewis.

Home was wherever JoAnn settled her heart. Her family invites you to celebrate her life in July in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made joyfully to CDA Hospice or another charity that reflects JoAnn’s generous spirit. 

Raise a gin and tonic, play “Country Roads,” and watch for her in the river’s light — she’s gone to be with Kenny.