Joanne Marie Dimond's Obituary
Joanne Marie Dimond, daughter of Claire and Arnold Schaefer, peacefully passed away on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, in Roy, Washington, while surrounded by family and loved ones. Joanne was born on Thursday, Dec. 14, 1944, in Tacoma, Washington.
In her early life, she grew up off K Street in Tacoma, before eventually moving to the Schaefer Family Farm in Puyallup, Washington. Joanne grew up working on the Schaefer family dairy farm milking cows. She was a graduate of Puyallup High School's class of 1963.
She is survived by her husband, Robert E. Dimond IlI; her sister, Janet Burris; her children, Robert Dimond IV, James Dimond and John Dimond; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Claire and Arnold; her brothers, Robert Schaefer and Vern Schaefer; and stepdaughter Kim Dimond.
Joanne married Robert E. Dimond III on Aug. 15, 1964, and the two spent over 61 years together - recently celebrating their 61st anniversary together in August of 2025. The two met at the United Service Organization (USO), where Joanne was a donut dolly and served donuts and coffee to servicemen. Her husband Robert said, "the moment I saw her, I knew that I was going to marry her."
Over the course of their marriage, Joanne and Robert built and created a large family. She is survived by their sons Robert E. Dimond IV (Claudia Main); James Dimond (Karen Dimond); John Dimond (Cynthia Dimond); and stepdaughter Brenda Dobson (Wayne Dobson). She was preceded in death by stepdaughter Kim Dimond (George Bunn).
According to their son, Robert, Joanne "ruled the house with a wooden spoon."
Joanne is survived by her beloved grandchildren, including Kattrina Wise, Jermaine Yeldon, Jasmine Yeldon, Chloe Yeldon, Jessie Whitehead, Jennifer Gunn, Kellie Morgan, Cassie Alexander, Sara Dawson, Ryan Dimond, Mary Dimond and Jacob Dimond. Joanne is also survived by her nephew, Doug Reed, and her niece, Jackie Reed-Koonce, and by numerous great grandchildren, who she loved and cherished tremendously.
Throughout her life, Joanne was actively involved as a Cub Scouts denmaster while her children
grew up. She also held jobs at the Puyallup Fairgrounds with Duris Farm and Fisher Scones. Joanne battled multiple sclerosis (MS) for over 40-years and fought her battle with grace and dignity - never once complaining about her condition. She was also inspired to help others living with MS. Joanne was part of an in-home MS support
group where members discussed related issues and solutions, different treatment options- all while in the comforts of a family-like environment.
Despite her condition, Joanne lived life with a positive attitude and a bright smile on her face. She thoroughly enjoyed spending quality time with her family and friends, and never once passed up an opportunity to sit beneath the warm sunshine.
In lieu of flowers, the Dimond family has requested that donations be made to the MS Society, or to Puget Sound Home and Hospice for the incredibly loving care they gave to Joanne.
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