JoAnn Tree

JoAnn Egli Tree passed away of natural causes on January 30, 2023. She was a magical person and bigger than life. The lovely and vivacious JoAnn was born on January 7, 1943, to Joseph Egli and Elisabeth Martha (Barthel) Egli. She was the youngest of five children. Preceding her in death were her parents and siblings (Ruth, Lillian, Dorothy and Ralph). JoAnn married Phillip Norman Tree (deceased) in 1963. She is survived by their eight children: Elizabeth (Neal), Phillip (Carol), Alisha, Adrian, Melissa (Geoffrey), Andrea (Isidoro), Tonya (Jared), Kristina (Lee), 28 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

JoAnn valued education and instilled a love of learning in her children. She challenged them to be independent and strong. Shortly after beginning her college career, she set aside that goal to raise her family. A devoted mother, JoAnn was once recognized with an article about her in the Kalamazoo Gazette. Later in life, she resumed her educational pursuits and graduated from Western Michigan University in 1994. She also held a cosmetology license from the age of 19 and maintained it throughout her life. She provided countless haircuts to her children, grandchildren and friends throughout the community.

JoAnn exemplified the motto, wear your life out in the service of others. She was dedicated to serving those with special needs, beginning with her own children. She worked as a paraprofessional for the Kalamazoo School District for over a decade.

An incredibly social person, JoAnn loved being the life of the party and singing and dancing brought her great joy. She also loved to host and frequently made her guests feel like royalty with delicious cooking and baked goods. She was thoughtful and generous with her time, talents and money. She consistently sent cards, flowers and gifts to loved ones and often made meals and treats for others.

JoAnn’s greatest legacy is her example of love, service, faith and her unfailing testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ. She shared this testimony with her family and all whom she knew. She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life, remaining strong and faithful to the end.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out to my family to show support with my mom's passing. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 18 at 11 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 668 Second Ave, Salt Lake City, UT. Graveside services will follow at 12 PM at Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 N St E, Salt Lake City, UT. We would love to invite anyone who would like to attend. All are welcome. Thank you again for your love and support.