Wrangell Sentinel -

Johanna Julia Rinehart was born January 5, 1938 in Tofield Alberta Canada. She was the 9th of 13 children, born to Fred and Sophia Lappenbush. Joann came to the US to finish high school. She first married Chet Powell and together they had four children; Chet Allen, James William, Carol Ann and David Lee. They later moved to Wrangell to raise their family where she worked at City Market, The Roadhouse and finally spend 30 years as the favorite gal at J & W's. Joann later found love a second time with Richard Rinehart Sr. who she married and spent many happy years.

Joann was known for her beautiful wedding cakes and the amazing Christmas cookie platters she made for family and friends. If she wasn't at one of her weekly lunches with her friends, especially her best friend Yvonne, you would find her cooking full course meals and baking for her family as she was a tremendous cook and bake extraordinaire.

Although cooking was her biggest passion, Steamer Bay was her all time favorite place to spend time with her children when they were young. Joann loved pink carnations, bingo and was an avid bowler. She loved playing scrabble, going on drives, mini vacations to Reno and loved working on her puzzles.

Joann embodied the perfect attributes of a mother. She was caring, thoughtful, hardworking, compassionate and loving. She was the voice of experience, the wisdom that guided, and the eyes that always saw the best in people. Joann never passed judgment, was a mom of principle and courage, and loved everyone unconditionally. She was strong in her beliefs and had a quiet strength when we needed comfort or advice. Her relationship with her children was about love that never gave up. It was about indescribable hope that would never let go. It was about freedom and victory with life challenges. She was all about family, trust, forgiveness, compassion and strength. The bond she had with her children was incredibly strong.

Joann was a remarkable and one of a kind grandmother to Christina, Jonathan, Letitia, Randy Jr., Harry, Bridgette, Daniel and Tiffany. She also had numerous great grandchildren along with so many others that she considered her own. Joann never missed a grandchild's school event. She was a wonderful combination of warmth, kindness, laughter and love. She had the ability to encourage their dreams, and praise their successes.

She shared with the grandkids what it meant to have strong values, the importance of family, faith, hard work, kindness, tolerance, generosity, forgiveness and love. She was gentle, but direct, filled with confidence, and laughter.

Joann had the wisdom of a teacher, the sincerity of a true friend, and the tenderness all grandmothers strive for. She was truly admired, respected and loved very much. She will always have a cherished place in our hearts and memories. She is someone for whom we always wanted to have every bit of happiness in return for all the joy she brought to us. Her family doctor referred to Joann as her miracle patient. After a long lengthy battle with lung disease, her determination was undeniable.

The entire family stands deeply saddened by the loss of such a remarkable mother, grandmother, great grandmother, wife and friend. We are so grateful for the time we've shared with her unconditional love, her laughter, her wittiness, kindness and generosity. She lived her life quietly with poise, dignity and grace. Her life was something great because she embraced each and every moment she was given.

Johanna Julia Rinehart, preceded in death by her husband, Richard Rinehart, Sr. Joann is survived by Chet (Bejay) Powell, James (Shannon) Powell, Carol (Randy) Churchill, and David (Kim) Powell; Grandchildren Christina, Jonathan, Letitia, Randy Jr., Harry, Bridgette, Daniel and Tiffany. Joann was also a great grandmother to many. She was also known to many as mom, grandma and granny.

"Thank You" to all family and friends for your prayer, kind words, gestures and all the food

donations. We are blessed to have you in our lives.