Joan Margaret Oriard

Joan M. Oriard, 66, of Spokane passed away peacefully at home on April 1, 2024. She was born on February 9, 1958, the oldest child of Leland and Lucille Guettinger.  Joan grew up in Pullman and graduated from Pullman High School in 1976. She then relocated to Spokane and graduated from Spokane Community Colleges in 1978.

Joan and Douglas Oriard were married in 1980 and were a perfect team for 40 loving years. Their most proud achievement was their son, Cameron L. Oriard.   She was a devoted and fabulous mother.  

Joan was the instigator of so much joy and engagement with family, coworkers, neighbors, high school & college, and bible study and friends. You met Joan once, she was your friend for life and made you feel so loved and appreciated. She was a fabulous host for laughs and always included 7 layer dip and Bailey’s for holiday gatherings. In her final family activity, Joan won the March Madness pool.Joan had a 40+ year career in the dental field and retired in 2022 as a Financial Coordinator, Airway Heights Dental Center. She was a highly trusted and valued colleague.  Joan mentored many entering the profession and built lifelong friendships.   

She was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish and served in a number of volunteer roles. Her love of travel included many destinations with Doug and Cameron.  She was also active in Spokane Dental Assistant Association, Dental Assistant Advisory Board and volunteered at Bloomsday and Hoopfest. In retirement, she discovered her love for kayaking and enjoyed Spokane Women’s Kayaking and Hiking group.  She was a woman of numerous talents and shared her quilts, crafts, knitting, cooking, and garden bounty.   

Joan is survived by her son, Cameron and spouse, Sarah. She is also survived by her mother, Lucille Zenner Guettinger, and siblings Anne Schrempp (Robert), Karen Fischer (Chris) and Dennis Guettinger (Dorri) and beloved four nieces and nephew and numerous cousins she remained in close contact.   

She is preceeded in death by her husband Douglas and her father, Leland Guettinger.   Memorial donations may be sent to Our Lady of Fatima Church or a charity of your choice. 

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