Joan E. (Ramlow) Pemble

Joan Pemble passed away peacefully on October 31, 2021 in Caldwell, Idaho after a lengthy battle with glioblastoma at the age of 71. 

Joan was born into a traditional, wholesome and loving family in northwestern Montana where she was joined by a younger sister and brother.  She was a good student and graduated with honors from Whitefish High School.  After high school she attended Whitworth College in Spokane, WA, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education in 1972.   Upon graduation she accepted a teaching position in Hardeeville, South Carolina where she taught for three years. 

She became acquainted with future husband, Ed, a friend of her brother.   Ed and Joan were married in Whitefish Montana in September of 1975 and lived in Bellflower, CA, for five years.  During this time Joan taught at Nazarene Christian School in Norwalk, and both Ed and Joan attended California State University where Joan earned her master’s degree in Education in 1979.  In the fall of 1981 Ed and Joan left California for Nampa Idaho.  Joan did some substitute teaching in Nampa Public Schools until their first son, Mark was born in 1982 followed by Scott in 1984, David in 1986 and John in 1989.  The family sadly lost John shortly after birth and David at age 20.

Joan was a full time mother and began homeschooling the children for the greater part of their education.  She provided structure and planned curriculum supplemented by special learning experiences, activities and family travel.   As her own children were completing high school, Joan joined the teaching staff at North Star Charter School where she was a loved and respected teacher for 10 years.  Joan Retired in 2015 but continued with the Caldwell School District in a part time capacity for two years.  

In 2015 as a part of the Rotary Century Scholarship program, Joan was honored as a distinguished educator for exceptional teaching and inspirational guidance of the students of Boise Idaho.  This recognition was designated by a student recipient of the Rotary Scholarship as a most influential teacher.

Aside from her professional career, Joan concurrently worked with children, teaching Sunday school, Vacation Bible School and children’s church.  She was known for effective presentation of Bible lessons with vividly colored flannel-graph figures and scenery.  She volunteered at the Nampa Public Library and was on the Caldwell Public Library board for 10 years, also serving as the chairperson.  For several years she was an election poll worker and an election judge for Canyon County.

Through the years Joan developed many enduring friendships.  For a decade or more, Joan was part of a book group that that met regularly and discussed a wide variety of books and authors. This kept her mentally sharp and knowledgeable on a multitude of topics and philosophies.  Joan’s book group friends became some of her closest.

During her illness, Joan was encouraged with many prayers, visits and expressions of love from friends, family and colleagues.  These were all so much appreciated.  

Through it all, Joan’s faith was firm.  She was ready to meet her Savior and lived her life preparing toward that end.  She filled her mind and soul with God’s word and there is no doubt about her eternal destiny.   

Joan was preceded in death by her two sons, John and David, her parents, and her sister Judy Ramlow Neer.  She is survived by her husband Ed and two sons, Mark and Scott, her brother James (Alma) Ramlow as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

A simple graveside service will be held at the Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Caldwell Idaho at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 6, 2021, officiated by Pastor Robb Kensinger of Montana Avenue Baptist Church.  Friends and family are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial gifts in be sent to India Evangelical Mission, Orphan Fund PO Box 1633 Hawaiian Gardens, CA  90716-0633.  More information can be found at www.indiaevangelical.org. 

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