Shirley Joan Tronsgard, born May 8, 1934, in Denver, Colorado to Vera (Plee) and Thomas Tronsgard, passed away peacefully in University Place, Washington on January 10, 2023.  She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Rockmont Bible College in 1952.  She taught grades 1-6 at Slater Elementary in Jefferson County, Colorado from 1952-1989; taking a year's leave to teach at an international school in Cali, Colombia in 1958.  A lifelong servant of Christ, Joan was an active member of Beth Eden Baptist Church in Denver, including undertaking mission trips with church youth.

After retiring and caring for her parents, Joan packed her four cats for travel to join her Uncle Russ and Aunt Billie's (Vivian's) family in the Pacific Northwest; where she landed in University Place, Washington in 1989.  She sunk roots into her new home, quickly enmeshing with family, joining CityLights Church, volunteering at schools and Saint Joseph's Hospital, and making a home for her beloved pets.

Joan is survived by Plee cousins Diane Langton (Fred) and Gail Woodard; their children Gregg Wright Osborn (Laurel), Andy Osborn (Candice), Andrea Woodard Hansen; and grandchildren Tyler Osborn (Hope Hampton), Justin Wright Osborn, Kelsey Osborn, Hanna Wright Osborn, Zoe Hotman (Kyle), and Samuel Wright Osborn; and cousins all.  Joan will be remembered for her faith, writing skills, sense of humor, and love for her family.

Services will be held February 11, 11:00 am, in the Evergreen Chapel at New Tacoma Cemetery.  Donations can be made in her name to CityLights Church.  Her family wishes to thank the staff at Bridgeport Place Assisted Living for their care and compassion for our cousin in her final years.