Joanne Arlene Rea

Jo Anne Arlene (Hilde) Rea, of Grandview, Washington, passed to her rest on June 7, 2024 surrounded by family members.

Jo was born on 11-3-1943, the first-born child of Luvene and Barbara Hilde. She was born in Sedro Woolley, Washington and lived there for most of her early years. She moved with her family to Paradise Valley (San Diego), CA, where she attended high school and started her interest in the medical field by working at the hospital. Her senior year was at Auburn Adventist Academy where she worked to help support her education. She loved music and was active in choral groups.

After high school she lived with her family in Madison, Tennessee and then moved to Illinois. She met and married Gene Mende and had three children from that marriage. She completed her nurse’s training at Loma Linda University, and worked in Tennessee, then returned to Washington state to live and work in Brewster. She later moved with her children to College Place, Washington. There she met John Rea. They married in 1975 and lived with their blended family in Touchet, Washington before making a move to Billings, Montana. She continued her nursing career, and later returned to school to get a degree in education and a certification in psych nursing, leading to a job at the Yellowstone Boy’s and Girl’s Ranch.

When her husband became paralyzed, she and her family cared for him for many years. After his passing in 2014 she came to Grandview to visit family for a few months. That visit turned into 9½ years, living with her sister Sue, during which they traveled, went to Seahawk games, did crafting, attended sewing expos, etc.

Jo enjoyed being around her siblings although she missed Montana so very much, and missed being able to be with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. All her family was so very special to her so photographs hung all around her room.

Jo had a sincere love of music. She loved to sing and play the piano. Even when she was so ill, she sang with her family just before she left us.

Jo was preceded in death by her husband, John Rea, and her parents, Luvene and Barbara Hilde. She is mourned by her children, Melodi (Bob) Drake of Huntley MT; Kurt (Nicole) Mende of Redmond, OR; Kent (Lisa) Mende of Billings, MT; Jonathan (Connie) Rea of Springfield, OR; Troy (Heather) Rea of Litchfield, AZ; Trent (Kelly) Rea of Kennewick, WA; foster daughter, Shellee Bain of Plentywood, MT; and special friend Jan (Steve) Schaak of Pasco, WA.

She is also mourned by her siblings, Beth (Mel) Peterson of Nampa, ID; Sue Underwood of Grandview, WA; Pam Baumgartner of College Place, WA; Patrice (Abraham) Carcagno of Sunnyside, WA; Kevin Hilde of Grandview, WA; Keith Hilde (Anna) of Kennewick, WA; and Jeff (Dena) Hilde of Colville, WA

Jo had numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces, and in-laws. Since she was away from most of them, she grew very close to Sue’s great granddaughter, Jazzlynn, and delighted in watching her grow. Jo loved much and was loved even more by all her family and friends.

Jo was a lifelong member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and when she could no longer attend church in person, she watched the 3 Angels Broadcasting Network. Now she awaits her Lord’s return.

A memorial service for Jo will be held at the Granger Seventh-day Adventist Church on August 4, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. with fellowship to follow.

Those wishing to sign Jo’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com   Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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