Joan R. Strait's Obituary
Joan “Mimi” Rae Strait, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025, in Tacoma, Washington. Born on March 31, 1937, in Iowa Falls, Iowa, to Helen V. Sullivan (Holbrock) and Howard A. Sullivan, Joan lived a life full of purpose, adventure, and love.
Dedicating herself to her family and community, Joan’s passion for service led her to become Director of the Yamhill County Housing Authority in Oregon, and she held leadership roles in organizations such as the Rotary Club, Rotary Student Exchange Program and HUD International, where she served as past president. Her commitment to helping others was matched only by her zest for life.
Joan had many interests and embraced them wholeheartedly. She was a member of the Tacoma Country and Golf Club in Lakewood, Washington, and a past member of Michelbook Country Club in McMinnville, Oregon. She loved to travel, play bridge, and was an avid skier, proudly participating in the Masters Ski Club in Sun Valley.
She raised her children, Tara and Eric, in McMinnville, Oregon with her first husband, Robert (Bob) D. Smith, who preceded her in death in 1986. In 1990, Joan married Gail B. Strait, MD, and together they built a beautiful life between Lakewood, Washington, and Ketchum, Idaho for over three decades.
Joan is survived by her devoted husband, Gail B. Strait; her children Tara D. Smith-Garcia (Carlos) of Kalispell, Montana, and Eric R.J. Smith (Mary Huson Smith) of Kirkland, Washington; her stepchildren Tamara Smiley of Lakewood, Washington, Suzy Russell (Trevor) of Phoenix, Arizona, and Kevin Strait (Tammy Sue) of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; her 14 cherished grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and her sisters Cherill Haynes and Christine “Bootsie” McAfee. She was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Sullivan.
Joan’s grace, warmth, generosity, and adventurous spirit touched everyone who knew her. She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.
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