Joanne Ball Harvey, 85, of Story, WY, passed away on Tuesday, June 20, 2017. Joanne was born in Sheridan, WY, February 19, 1932, to Ray C. Ball and Ella M. (Wolfe) Ball. She graduated from Sheridan High School in 1950, and earned a B.S. in Physical Education at the University of Wyoming in 1954 where she met Ronald D. Harvey, who she married in 1955.
She is survived by her son, Daniel M. Harvey, his wife, Maureen, and her daughter, Susan G. Grant, eight grandkids, nine great grandkids, and many extended family in the Sheridan area, Vermont, and across the U.S.
Many of Joanne’s fondest memories were from the summers she spent on the ranch of her grandparents, Jack and Mona Ball, in Bolder, WY. As a young girl on the ranch she learned to ride and care for horses, shoot rifles, and fix fence while working alongside her grandfather in his blacksmith shop. In her high school and college years she developed her love for games and sports, and played softball, became a Wyoming state champion in bowling, and UW champion rifleman.
She began her career teaching high school physical education for girls in Rock Springs and then moved to Kelly Walsh in Casper where she also served as the pep club sponsor, prior to there being high school sports available for girls. She and Ron moved to Lander in 1966, where she earned the nickname “Harv” teaching P.E., coaching track and volleyball, and later becoming the Athletic Director at Lander Valley High School. During her coaching career, she led the 1978 Lander Valley High School volleyball team to a state championship title. In 1989, she was inducted into the Wyoming Coaches Hall of Fame at the University of Wyoming.
Joanne retired in 1992 and moved to Arlington, Vermont with Ron where they spent 15 years playing with their children and grandchildren, and serving part-time as toll house gatekeepers for the Carthusian Foundation. Joanne and Ron moved to North Adams, MA where they owned and operated a Curves fitness franchise. In 2011 Joanne and Ron moved back to Wyoming to enjoy the land they so loved and many lifetime friends. Joanne and Ron lived with their daughter, Susan, in Story, WY for their remaining days.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 24, 2017 at Grace Chapel Church, 31 N. Piney Rd., in Story, with Pastor Bill Dill presiding. Burial will follow at the Quiet Rest Cemetery in Story, WY. Memorial contributions to honor Joanne, may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, PO Box K, Sheridan, WY 82801. Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Champion Funeral Home.