Concluding a lifetime of service, Joan LaVal Walch Pancheri, 88, passed away on Monday May 25, 2020 in her home. Joan was born in Rathdrum, Idaho on February 14, 1932 to Val Walch and Mary Lou Knobel Walch, the oldest of their five children. She attended school in Council, Idaho for a few years before moving to Boise as a young girl. Joan valued education and throughout her life she always sought to improve herself through both formal education and learning new skills. She graduated from Boise High School and attended the University of Idaho, Boise Junior College and ultimately graduated with a Bachelors degree from Northwest Nazarene College. While attending the University of Idaho, she majored in Animal Husbandry for the sole purpose of turning a city girl into a farmer's wife. The full realization of this dream occurred on February 2, 1962 when she married her farmer, Darwin G Pancheri. This marriage began a lifetime of work and adventure as Joan and Darwin worked together farming and ranching while raising their combined eight children. Many hours were spent working, but when there was time for riding motorcycles, snowmobiles or boating with the family, you would find Joan right in the middle of the action. Joan loved her family. She once stated that her "biggest honor was that the Lord chose me to be the mother of eight children." Despite a busy life with family and farm, Joan enjoyed many other activities. She loved to sing and was a member of several musical groups, including the Musettes. For her musical talents she received several recognitions and awards. She also loved the outdoors, girl's camp and scouting. She was one of the first women in this area to be awarded her Wood Badge to recognize her achievement in leadership and service to the scouting program. After their retirement, Joan and Darwin loved spending time at their ranch in Cascade, Idaho. They worked hard at the ranch, but it was the time spent there with family that created memories that would be forever cherished. Serving in her community was very important to Joan. She was actively involved in many organizations, a few of which included: Farm City Night, Melba 4th of July Parade, Canyon County Republican Volunteers and over 15 years as a volunteer for the Idaho Center. Joan had a deep love for her country and this was reflected in her 20 years working the elections in her Canyon County precinct. Fifteen of those years were spent as a senior judge with the last election she supervised just last November. Joan was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was willing to serve in whatever capacity she was asked. She had a talent for bringing people together and creating lasting memories. It didn't matter if she was leading the music in Primary, teaching Gospel Doctrine, planning activities for Stake Girls Camp or spearheading the monthly activities for the Empty Nester group. Many people have been blessed by her willingness to share her talents and enthusiasm for the gospel. Her relationship with her Heavenly Father and Savior were an integral part of her life. She often leaned on the example of her Savior Jesus Christ as she faced many of the challenges in her life and that example is one that will leave a lasting legacy for her family and all who crossed her path. Joan is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Darwin G Pancheri and their eight children: Dixie (BJ) Parker, Debbie Homer, Lonnie (Kathy), Cindy (David) Squires, Rex (Shellie), Dollie (Troy) Black, Kurt (Christy), Nate (Kristin); 33 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Rae Tway and brothers Rock (Joan) Walch and Bruce (Pat) Walch. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Vance Walch. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, May 30, at the Melba Cemetery, 7205 Baseline Rd in Melba. A viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Friday, May 29 at Zeyer Funeral Chapel, 83 N Midland Blvd, Nampa. 208-467-7300 Condolences may be expressed at ZeyerFuneralChapel.com.
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