JoAnne Carolyn Thomas

JoAnne Thomas, 91, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, compassionate nurse, and woman of deep faith, JoAnne lived a life of service, dedication, and joy.

Born on February 17, 1934, JoAnne devoted her life to caring for others—both as a nurse and as a loving mother to her three sons, Mike, Ron, and Rob. She was an active and cherished member of her church community, holding various leadership roles over the years, including Church Clerk, Adult Sabbath School Superintendent, and Assistant Church Treasurer. She played a pivotal role in fundraising for the construction of both the Heights Seventh-Day Adventist Church and the Rio Rancho Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Additionally, she served on the Executive Committee of the Texaco Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists and led Women’s Ministries for the Texaco Conference. JoAnne generously shared her medical expertise by volunteering at local church schools, where she conducted health screenings, administered vaccinations, and maintained student health records. She also dedicated time to the food bank at the Rio Rancho Church, helping to provide food to the community on a weekly basis. Through her faith, service, and kindness, JoAnne left a lasting legacy of love and commitment.

After graduating from Washington Missionary College (now Washington Adventist University) in 1957, JoAnne married U.S. Air Force Captain Calvin W. Thomas later that year. In 1958, they moved to Albuquerque, where JoAnne began working as a Public Health Nurse for the state. She later took time off to raise her three sons, returning to public health once her youngest started grade school. She eventually joined the Bernalillo School District, serving as the school nurse for Bernalillo Junior High, Algodones Elementary School, and Placitas Elementary School, and occasionally assisting at Bernalillo High School.

Beyond her professional and church life, JoAnne was an avid and competitive bowler. She won a gold medal in doubles bowling at the State Senior Olympics and was honored for her achievement by the Mayor of Rio Rancho in 1996. She actively participated in adult bowling leagues, earning numerous titles and tournament wins over the years.

JoAnne is survived by her sons, their wives, and her seven cherished grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her kindness, strength, and unwavering faith.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 23, at 5:00 PM at Rio Rancho Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1351 Westside Blvd. SE (formerly 19th Ave. SE), Rio Rancho, NM 87124. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to Child Impact International.

JoAnne’s warmth, dedication, and love will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her.