Joan D. Raymond

Service Information

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 12th, 2PM, Laurel Community Baptist Church, 162 West Laurel Road, Bellingham, WA (360) 398-1761

Joan Darlene Raymond, age 70, passed away on Friday, April 27th at her home in Bellingham, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Joan was born on September 5th, 1941, in Bellingham, to William E. and Dorothy (Leal) Raymond. She attended Meridian schools and graduated from Meridian High School, where she was very involved in athletics and lettered in sports. After high school she worked for a time at Yeager’s in Bellingham, while beginning to raise her dairy herd at the family farm on the East Road. After her parents retired and moved to a different home, Joan purchased the farm and began to pursue dairy farming full-time, establishing the JoRay Guernsey Farm. She continued to run her farm up until the time of her death, although she had to discontinue milking earlier this year due to her declining health.

Joan was known as an independent spirit, content to spend long hours working with her cows, cutting and baling hay in the summers, working on her farm machinery, and doing all the many tasks involved in running her farm. She was known as a 4-H leader for many years, and also had many friends in the local Guernsey Breeder’s Club. Everyone around recognized Joan driving down the road in her classic red Ford pickup truck with “JoRay Guernsey Farm” emblazoned along the sides.

Joan was a 50-year member of the Darigold Cooperative, earning “Dairy of Merit” status. She was also a member of Whatcom Farmer’s Coop for many years, and a life-long member of the Laurel Community Baptist Church. Though Joan wasn’t a frequent church-goer in recent years, she expressed a strong faith in God and enjoyed reading her Bible and listening to old recordings of hymns by her favorite singers such as Elvis Presley. She frequently gave credit to the Lord for her strength and endurance through life’s many challenges, and prayed on a regular basis for strength and guidance, especially during the time of her illness.

After being diagnosed with cancer in 2010, Joan underwent surgery, from which she bounced back with her characteristic strength, taking only days off before returning to work full-time. Many advised her at that time to quit farming and retire, but Joan was determined to keep on doing what she loved for as long as she possibly could. She was what one person called a “rugged individualist”, and she also had a wry sense of humor, which would often come to the surface when you least expected it. She was an avid sports fan her entire life, and she especially loved baseball, often listening to Mariner’s games on the barn radio while she did her chores. It’s hard to know which she loved more: her cows, the Mariners, or Edaleen vanilla ice cream, which she bought by the tubful!

Joan was preceded in death by her beloved father and mother. She is survived by brothers Robert “Bob” (Judy) Raymond of Bellingham, and William “Bill” (Jeanice) Raymond of Lummi Island; sister Carol (Joe) Kirner of Lynden, and numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, and friends.

The family would like to thank the many people who helped Joan through her illness: surgeons Dr. Paul Fredette and Dr. William Baader; Dr. Elizabeth Vennos of Bellingham Dermatology; Whatcom Hospice; the many people who provided help and strength, including but not limited to friends Gail (and Jim) Assink, and Jerry and Ruth Edmonds, neighbors Jerry and Jane Phillips and Lonnie Vaughn, Ryan Kolar, nephew Steve Raymond; Barbara and Cindy, whose last names we don’t know but who cleaned calf pens in the heat when Joan was in the hospital; niece Lisa (Hanson)Gooch, and niece Zakiah Avallah (formerly Gena Hanson) who was Joan’s primary caregiver over the past two years.

A memorial service to celebrate Joan’s life will be held Saturday, May 12th at two o’clock in the afternoon at the Laurel Community Baptist Church, 162 West Laurel Road, Bellingham, with refreshments to follow.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to: Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 2901 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA, 98225 WeSnip Feral Cat Spay and Neuter Program, 424 W. Bakerview Rd, Suite 150 #250, Bellingham, WA 98226

Memories

From Linda Kitchen

Joan was one of the most hard working women I know. I remember the first time I met her Steve and I weren't married yet and we went over to her farm, I watched her milk those cows. I couldn't believe she did all that by herself. She was so kind to me and she always held a special place in her heart for her family. RIP Joan you were a great lady!!! Bob,Bill, Carol and families you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

May 06, 2012

From Matthew

Joan was my Dad's 4-H leader many years ago. I got to know her when she came to the feed store I worked at over the last two years. I will always treasure her sweet personality, her love for her Guernsey cows, and the most extraordinary apple pies that she made and would bring by. I knew this day would come but knowing doesn't make it any easier... farewell Joan ~ you were a sweet lady! Until we meet again ~

May 06, 2012

From Ross

Joan was my 4-H leader in the Laurel Ranchers 4-H Club. I still remember how much work she put into running her own farm plus helping all of us be successful with our project animals. I made a point, in later years, to go see her at the Fair every year where she would be showing her Guernseys. It seems like it was just yesterday even though that was over 40 years ago. I enjoyed seeing her old Ford pickup all nicely painted red and white rolling through town. Joan, you will be missed. May you rest in peace.

May 07, 2012

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