Joan Elaine Akana

Joan Elaine Akana "Jo" passed away at her Yreka home surrounded by her family on April 30, 2021. Born November 12, 1931 to Raymond and Dorothy Luce, she was a Scott Valley gal known for her feisty and caring nature. She had a passion for her family and friends, the outdoors, and animals with a special fondness for horses. She enjoyed sharing stories of taking the cows to the Marble Mountains during the summer and gave vivid depictions of mountain wildlife and sleeping under the stars. Joan attended college in Sacramento where she was terribly homesick. Her roommate Judy Akana told her; "You've got to meet my cousin Ralph". Joan and Ralph hit it off and after finishing college they were married in August of 1953. They worked in Sacramento until Ralph was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean War which moved the couple to Fort Bragg. In 1955 they were transferred to Fort Richardson, Alaska where their first child was born. She enjoyed the great Alaskan outdoors, but shared that "Ralph just froze" so upon his honorable discharge in 1956 they returned to Sacramento where Ralph's teaching job was waiting for him. A teaching job opened up in 1962 at Yreka High School and the growing family returned to Joan's Northern California roots where they raised their 4 children. Beginning in the fall of 1978 Mrs. Akana worked as a Teacher's Aide at Gold Street School for Mrs. Washington's 1st grade class until her retirement in 1995. Following retirement she joined the Trail Riders and the Back Country Horsemen groups with a commitment to keeping the trails open. She also worked for her good friends at the Kleaver Pack Station where "Jo" was in her absolute glory riding in the Marble Mountains on her "good ole mountain horse", Rooster. Joan was a founding member and volunteered at the Stable Hands Riding Center where she graciously spent hours grooming, tacking, and leading horses. She further served her community as a member and supporter of the Siskiyou Historical Society. She shared her good cooking, cheerful home, and open heart with family, friends, and neighbors. Her positive attitude, joyful spirit, and generosity was known throughout the county. Joan was preceded in death by her father Raymond and mother Dorothy Luce, and Ralph, her husband of 64 years. She is survived by her sons Randy (Bette), Tim (Tracey), daughter Kim Sumner (Scott), and son Eric (Suzanne); grandchildren Nina, Cody (Olivia), Kai (Robyn), Kealia, Kolten (LaTosha), Nick Sumner(Ashley), Eric Sumner, Jacob and Joshua; great grandchildren Mason, Hayes, Maya, Kalani, Keanu, Reed Sumner, Matt and Mahlia. In accordance with her wishes no services will be held. Memorial contributions can be made to Madrone Hospice, 255 Collier Circle, Yreka Ca 96097, or a charity of one's choice.

Joan Elaine Akana

November 12, 1931 - April 30, 2021