JoAnn Blackburn Stringham

JoAnn Blackburn Stringham, age 67, of Vernal, Utah, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on December 29, 2017. JoAnn was born to Harold Blackburn and Darlene Saurey Blackburn in Rexburg, Idaho, the middle of 3 children. She grew up working on the potato farms and riding horses any chance she could get. She graduated from Madison High School in 1969. JoAnn attended the University of Utah and graduated with an English degree in 1974. Originally set on becoming a librarian, a friend bet JoAnn she couldn't get into law school, she proved him wrong and changed the course of her life. She graduated from the University of Utah- S.J. Quinney College of Law in 1977 and began a nearly 40 year career as an attorney. JoAnn was lucky to have married two loves during her lifetime. She married Kenny Stringham in 1982. They were blessed (and sometimes cursed) with two daughters, Sydney and Andrea. JoAnn later married Tom Somerville in 2000. JoAnn loved the outdoors. She was at her happiest while hiking in the mountains, camping in Southern Utah, or going on any river trip she could. She wanted to experience all the world had to offer and traveled with friends and family at every opportunity. Her travels took her from Europe to South America, Australia and Asia. The legal community will remember her as being fair and full of integrity. She was passionate about her work and always saw that justice was served. Her family and friends will remember her zest for life and adventure, and her love of family. Her daughters will remember her as a role model and an unwavering support system. JoAnn is survived by her daughters, Sydney Stringham of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Andrea (Shaun) Smith of Vernal, Utah, the light of her life- her granddaughter Abigail Smith, brother Paul (Kris) Blackburn of West Covina, California and sister Karen (Kenneth) England of Rexburg, Idaho, nieces and nephews, numerous friends and colleagues, Kenny Stringham, Tom Somerville, and her dogs, Tia and Wizard. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Darlene, and two infant siblings. Please join us for a celebration of life memorial service on Saturday, January 13th at 10:00 a.m. at the Uintah Conference Center (313 East 200 South, Vernal, UT). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Best Friends Animal Society or the charity of your choice. "Sometimes the light's all shining on me- Other times I can barely see. Lately it occurs to me- What a long strange trip it's been."