Joan Lee King

Life Legacy Joan L. King, age 78, passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2017 after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Joan, who was known affectionately as Joni by her family and friends, was born in Hot Springs South Dakota on November 29, 1938 to Robert and Audrey Hough. The family relocated to Los Angeles, California, where she spent her younger years volunteering at the local stables in exchange for riding the horses she so loved. A graduate of University High School in Santa Monica, she made lifelong friends through her high school social group the “Lorelei’s.” In 1958 Joni attended Long Beach City College where a tall and handsome man named Jack King caught her eye. It was love at first sight and they married soon after in Seal Beach, CA on September 21, 1959. In November of 1960, they welcomed their first child, Leslie. The family settled in Placentia, CA in 1967 where they had two more children, Brian and Michelle. Her beloved Jack passed away in 1980 and that same year Joni started her career as a secretary at Brookhaven Elementary School, a job that she dearly loved and was tailor made for her nurturing and loving heart. She faithfully worked in the role for almost 30 years. Those years working at Brookhaven brought her many lifelong friends, as well as joy and meaning. She loved the thousands of students that she cared for over the years and they loved her in return. In addition to her job, Joni loved spending time with her grandchildren, riding horses, skiing, playing bridge, and traveling with her friends. Her strong faith in God carried her through the trials and tribulations of her life, especially after her diagnosis. Joni is survived by her three children Leslie, Brian, Michelle (Matthew); and four grandchildren; Jonathan, Kailey, Rilee, and Audrey. Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jack, and her parents. She will be remembered as a kind, loving and devoted mom not only to her own children, but to the many students whose life she touched, as well as a loyal friend and a fun and loving grandma. A memorial service will be held at Memory Garden Memorial Park and Mortuary on Friday, June 23, 2017 at 2:30pm. Following the service everyone is invited to join the family in celebration of Joni’s life at El Torito Grill 555 Pointe Dr. Brea, CA 92621, (714) 990-2411. The King/Rutter families would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to all the staff at Sunrise Senior Living in Fullerton for their loving care these last few years and her devoted friends that visited her often and brought her a lot of comfort and joy. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Joni’s name to the following organizations; Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch 19344 Innes Market Rd., Bend, OR 97703 or www.crystalpeaksyouthranch.org or to the Brookhaven Elementary School PTA c/o 1851 North Brookhaven Ave. Placentia, CA 92870 to go towards a scholarship in her name. Just note Joni King on the memo line.

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Joan Lee King

November 29, 1938 - May 27, 2017