JoAnn Jackson Polatis10/08/1936 - 3/3/2014Our loving wife, mother, grandmother, and dear friend, JoAnn Jackson Polatis, passed away Monday, March 3, 2014 at her home in Thomas, Idaho, her favorite place to be.She was born on October 8, 1936 in Thomas, Idaho to Clarence Mark and Wilma Martin Jackson at the home of her grandparents. She attended school in the Snake River School District graduating in 1955, the first class in the new high school, and attended Ricks College.She married Daniel Tyler Polatis in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on March 9, 1956. She was an amazing homemaker, and made a wonderful home for her family. She loved to read, to garden and to cook.Mom was always very active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in almost every auxiliary: Cub Scouting, Primary, Relief Society and Young Women. She and her husband served in the Sydney Australia South mission for eighteen months from January 1996-July 1997. They made many friends of diverse cultures that they taught and worked with as they served. They were especially loved by the youth, and many of them traveled back to Idaho to visit after they had returned home. They also served for nine years as ordinance workers in the Idaho Falls Temple. She enjoyed her associations and friendships in The Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and served as an officer.Her greatest joy in life was being a wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Daniel Tyler Polatis; and her seven children, Dayna Ann (Dirk) Driscoll, Kirk Daniel (Judy) Polatis, Tyra Lee (Mark) Robinson, Clark Tyler (Mindy) Polatis, W. Rebecca Park, Mark Christian (Heather) Polatis and Danette (Bryce) Thompson; thirty four grandchildren; and twenty-two great-grandchildren. Also her brother, Mark (Bonnie) Jackson; and her four sisters, Lyla (Gene) Hoskins, Linda (Larry) Shelton, Shana (Ted) Mickelsen and Kerry (Blaine) Benson.She was preceded in death by her parents.Her life has been an incredible example of love, faith, and devotion to her husband, family, and friends. Many grandchildren remember the fun times of staying at her home, having heart shaped whole wheat waffles and giving them anything they wanted. Her friends always enjoyed visiting and hearing her unique laugh.She was always willing to travel but the place she loved best was her home, and we truly appreciate those who made it possible for her to be cared for there. They have devoted such tenderness, time, and love.The funeral service will be Saturday, March 8, 2014 at the Thomas 3rd Ward LDS Chapel, 1059 W. 100 S., at 11:00 a.m. conducted by Bishop Lanny Ogden. A viewing will be held the night before on Friday, March , 2014 from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Hawker Funeral Home, 132 S. Shilling Avenue and again one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at the Riverside-Thomas Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at [email protected].