L. Joan Usher

L. JOAN USHER

Pagosa Springs, Colo.

(Lucie) Joan Usher was born in Tiverton, Devon, England, on Nov. 13, 1924, to Charles Bulgin Williams and Lily (King) Williams. She aided in the World War II efforts by ensuring that local buses were able to maintain their routes. Shortly after the war ended, she emigrated to the United States following her sister, Louise, who had married an American soldier. She began

life in the United States by residing in Des Moines, Iowa, and worked for Look Magazine there. She later moved to Cedar Rapids where she met her husband, Herbert Warren Usher; they were married on Feb. 4, 1949. Joan was very proud of the fact that she became a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Joan worked most of her life at Collins Radio (now Rockwell International) building components for the airline and aerospace industries. She was proud of the fact that she helped to build some of the instrumentation for the early Apollo missions to the moon.

When Joan and Herbert retired in the early 80s they moved to warmer climes in south Texas. Sadly, Herbert passed away in September 1983. Joan remained in Texas serving at the American Legion and enjoying time with friends and family. In 2011 she moved to Brenham, Texas, to be closer to Deborah, her younger daughter. Joan again moved in 2017 to the Denver area to live close to her older daughter, Denise and upon Denise's retirement in 2018 moved to Pagosa Springs. A lifelong avid card player she enjoyed her weekly "Hand and Foot" card games with her friends from the Pagosa Springs Senior Center. Joan was an outgoing and joyful person and found friendships wherever she went.

Joan is survived by two daughters, Denise (Eric) Fisk, Pagosa Springs and Deborah (Rev. David) Ottsen, Holland, Mich.; one grandchild, Carrie (Chad) Pagels and great-grandson, Ian, of Zeeland, Mich.

Joan passed away on Jan. 27, 2022, following a brief illness. Contact Hood Mortuary in Pagosa Springs for memorial service details.