JoAnn Hliboki, 79, passed away on Jan. 15, 2020, in Montesano, Washington, surrounded by her family. She was born on Sept. 11, 1940, in Aberdeen, Washington, to the late Steve Bebich and Martha “Pearl” Fousha. She graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1958, where she met and then married the love of her life of 59 years, Larry “Jim” Hliboki in 1960.
They lived in Aberdeen until 1963, when they moved to Montesano and bought their home that they still reside in today. In 1965, she went to work at Whitney’s and she started her banking career in 1967. She spent 32 years serving the customers of Montesano with her infectious smile and retired as the bank manager at Sterling Savings Bank in 1999.
JoAnn had an active presence in the community. She was involved in the Montesano Chambers of Commerce, Montesano Lions Club and was the Treasurer for the Kelsey Foundation for many years. She stood out from the rest. She was a full-time mom, homemaker, caretaker for anyone and had a full time job. JoAnn was the heart and soul of her family. Her true passions were camping, cooking, gardening and taking care of others. She enjoyed raising her family, and making memories, at the picnic grounds on the Satsop River and traveling to their condo in Maui, Hawaii for 20 consecutive years until her illness prevented her from doing so.
JoAnn is survived by her husband, Larry “Jim” Hliboki, at their family home in Montesano, her sister Verna (Don) McArthur of Aberdeen, her brother Stephen (Leslie) Bebich of Hoquiam, sister-in-law Pennie Hliboki of Olympia, their three children, Teresa (Ken) Frafjord of Montesano, Michael (Jonna) Hliboki of Hoquiam, and Julie (Steve) Randich of Olympia. She has six grandchildren; Bradley (Brit) Frafjord, Kaylee (Daniel) Tobin, Michaela Hliboki, Kelsey Randich, Riley Randich, Hannah (Chase) Watters and five great-grandchildren.
A special “thank you” to all the caregivers – Wendy, Nancy, Theresa, Isabel, Tracey and Amy, the Montesano Fire Department and Dr. Clara Shin and her staff for providing such special care for our mom.
She has been laid to rest at the Satsop Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Montesano Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 827 Montesano, WA 98563.
Arrangements entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary.
