Joanne Sutton Best, 92

Donna Joanne Sutton Best came into this world Jan. 9, 1934, and passed on to the next Jan. 12, 2026. Born to a pioneer family, she was the daughter of Donald Smock and Donna Hendricks, who were among the first generation born in Twin Falls after its founding. Her grandfather and great-grandfather were the town's first blacksmiths.

Joanne's early years were spent traveling, accompanying her father on his sales route in a trailer towed behind the family car. Time spent in Twill Falls in the home of her grandparents, fondly referred to as Mudder and Papa, filled her with joy. Riding her horse, reading, and wandering in the high desert were her favorite childhood memories. The family moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where Joanne graduated from high school and attended North Idaho College.

It was on the NIC campus that Joanne met a handsome basketball player from New Jersey. She was on her break from a job at the coffee shop with her beau when he proclaimed, "We should get married. I don't think I can live without you." They married Sept. 13, 1953, and began Charles and Joanne's 56-year adventure, which included raising four children together.

The couple found their forever home in Moscow, Idaho. Joanne stayed home with the growing family, while Chuck pursued his degrees at the University of Idaho and spent his career working in the Moscow School District. When the children reached school age, Joanne returned to her studies. She received her undergraduate degrees in History and Education, and her MS in Library Science, earning summa cum laude honors in both. Joanne became the director of the Moscow School's elementary library system. She maintained five libraries with the assistance of a part-time aide and 50 volunteers. Joanne hand-selected and read every book she shelved. She received the Idaho Library Association Teacher of the Year award. Joanne was also an active member of the MEA, IEA, and NEA, serving as president and contract negotiator in her home state.

Joanne was especially proud of becoming a Master Gardener. She crafted and cared for her vibrant perennial gardens, spearheaded plant sales and fundraisers, and offered advice to aspiring green thumbs. Her travels always included trips to the world's most beautiful gardens.

Joanne cultivated many enduring friendships throughout her life. She was a founding member of a bridge club that began when the women were young mothers. The group met for over 50 years. Joanne was a valued and vocal leader in her local community. She was a founding member of the Moscow Arts Commission and an early supporter of Moscow Farmers Market, Rendezvous in the Park, and the Moscow Children's Choir. She volunteered at the Moscow Food Bank and served on the board of the University Arboretum Associates. Joanne also belonged to many reading groups and hiked with the Palouse La Trec hiking club.

After a combined 63 years of service in teaching and education, Chuck and Joanne devoted their retirement years to community and church service, traveling, enjoying the arts, and spending time at home with family.

After the death of her beloved husband and with her family's encouragement, Joanne attended the Coeur d'Alene High School class of 1952 reunion. Charles Best, her high school best friend, caught her eye that evening and her heart for all her final days. Joanne would say, "Most people, if they are lucky, get one great love; how lucky I was that love struck twice." Whether they were building Hosta gardens on the Best family homestead on the shores of Hayden Lake or skimming across the lake on their wooden boat, they made every day an adventure. Their union was blessed Feb. 15, 2019, at Christ Episcopal Church, Kealakekua, Hawaii.

Joanne leaves behind her partner, Charles Best; her brother and sister-in-law Donald and Midge Smock; her children and their partners — Donna & William, Charles & Sandra, Kevin & Lee, and Richard & Neil; her grandchildren and partners — Angie, Christopher & Mariah, Sarah Jo & Max, Lex & Rachel, Adam, Malik, Edgar & Willow, Amber, Joseph and Johnathan, as well as eight great-grandchildren and many grandnieces and nephews.

Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; her brother, John Smock; and her grandson, Jacob Andrew.

Service will be conducted Saturday, March 21, at 1 p.m. at Saint Mark's Episcopal Church in Moscow, followed by a traditional English High Tea. In lieu of flowers and in honor of her service to both students and the foodbank, the family requests that donations be made to the Saint Mark's school backpack program, which provides nutritious meals for children. Checks can be made payable to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, with "Food for Kids" written in the bottom-left memo line.

For those who intend to attend the remembrance or who would like to contribute, the address is: St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 111 S Jefferson St, Moscow, ID 83843.