JoAnne Ryan Voegtlin

JoAnne Ryan Voegtlin was born on January 16, 1935, in the now ghost town of Ruby, Arizona.

A product of a maternal lineage that came to the Americas in the mid-1600's; a clan of adventurers with a genetic need to see over the next horizon. JoAnne would visit and live in many places, but always return to her beloved Seattle.

A devout Catholic, JoAnne attended St. Therese, Holy Names Academy, and Seattle University.

It was in the Emerald City that she married and had six children. While raising them, JoAnne’s innate sense of style launched further studies in interior design at the Cornish School of the Arts and earned her degree at the University of Houston. Many of her clients became lifelong friends.

Not only was JoAnne the strength and backbone to her family, she was an advocate for those in need. Upon her return to Seattle, JoAnne became a certified Guardian ad Litem in the King County program.

A top-rate cook and hostess with her own unique flair, JoAnne relished her time in the kitchen. Her true realm, no one would argue that. She led a full life: tennis, golf, books, music, gardening, sailing and interior design. Mom taught us to look people in the eye, never show up empty-handed, and always be grateful.

In 2016 she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. A truly difficult time for her, family, and friends. Mom passed early morning on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2025, finally released from that torment into God's loving arms.

JoAnne joins her cherished oldest and youngest sons, BJ and Nick, gone too soon. Her former husbands, Byron, Roy and Karl, and many dear friends. They are all up there in front of a TV, with her famous guacamole and chips, cheering on the Seahawks and having an amazing party.

JoAnne is survived by her children Heidi Willman, Mianna, Chris Behrens (Denise) and Erich Behrens (Colette), beloved grandchildren Christian, Rachel, Ryan, Mianna, Emily and Nicholas; her sisters Mary Pat Booth and Sue Barrett, and brothers Tom and Rick Stanfield.

Following a private ceremony on Thursday, August 13, please join us in celebrating JoAnne with stories, memories, and reconnecting at 12:00 noon at Ray’s Boathouse, 6049 Seaview Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107.

We love you, Mom. You're in our thoughts and will not be forgotten.