Margaret Joann Monson was born to Harley and Myrtle Ferber in Greenfield, Iowa, July 23, 1931.
Joann had two siblings, Wanda and Richard Ferber. Their earlier years were spent on the family farm where they raised corn, hogs, and chickens. They were always surrounded by plenty of family pets. After graduation from Greenfield High School, she married Joseph Lee McCrary and they initially moved to Denver, Colorado. In 1951, they moved to Ray, North Dakota and built the Frontier Motel. They had two daughters, Cindy and Patty. After her first husband’s death, she later married Gaylin “Bud” Monson and had three sons, Jim, Dick, and Steve. They continued to raise their children and manage the motel until its sale in the 1980’s. After selling the motel, she was a rural mail carrier and served on the Ray City Commission for a number of years.
Joann always enjoyed coffee with friends and family, quilting, and loved visiting with all her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
After moving to the Tioga Nursing Home in 2016, she continued to enjoy visiting with friends and family until her death on April 17, 2018.
Joann is survived by her husband, Gaylin “Bud” Monson; children, Cynthia Solberg, Patricia Weyrauch, Jim (Jill) Monson, Steve Monson, Dick Monson; grandchildren, Tracey (Jason) Willette, Angela Solberg, Amy (Shannon) Fagerland, Sara Schmidt, Darren Weyrauch, Shelby (Tim) Dodd, Alli Monson, Sami Monson; great grandchildren, Colin and Kelly Willette, Lauren and Blake Fagerland, Sean (Amanda Witlock) and Hayley Schmidt, Cameron and Keera Dodd.
Joann was preceded in death by her parents, two siblings, spouse, Joseph McCrary, and son in law, Jerry.
May God rest her soul.