Joe Ann Carroll Larue, 74, of Redway, passed away on June 30, 2023 after a beautiful summer day at home with her family and a long and wonderful life.

Joe Ann was born on April 28, 1949 to Robert and Dionysia Carroll in Joliet, Illinois. Her family moved to San Diego when she was young and she enjoyed an idyllic childhood in Ocean Beach together with her siblings Bob, Patty and Mary Beth and extended family.

She met her soulmate Philip Larue (1936-2004) in San Diego when she was a nurse and Phil a patient. After extensive travel across the country, they chose Redway as their home due to its stunning natural beauty and warm community. Some may remember Phil’s trophy business, SoHum trophies, run out of their home. Together they raised three sons, Anthony (b. 1985), Nicholas (1986-2005) and Lucas (b.1991) and enjoyed many visits with Joe Ann’s eldest son Aram (1975-2010), who lived in Monterey.

Joe Ann loved living in Redway, her “little corner of the world” as she called it, and was an active community member, teaching CPR all over Southern Humboldt. She was affectionately called “Mama Joe” by her children’s friends, who could always expect a warm hug and meaningful conversation. Her sisters shared that “Joe Ann was a loving and caring mother, proud grandmother, sweet sister and loyal friend. She had a healing voice and hands; a gift that is hard to describe.”

Joe Ann loved the land and people of Kauai and treasured visits there with her family, as well as to Maui. She also loved spending time with her many dear friends, including Sue Sheldon and Peggy Sarver, visits to Shelter Cove, listening to music, time in the backyard and caring for her grandchildren. Her close friends shared that, “Joe Ann was truly amazing. Her ability to connect with people both old and young with love and empathy was remarkable,” and “tell Joe Ann I will catch up to her in heaven. I’m so glad she was in my life.”

Joe Ann is dearly missed and survived by her sons Anthony (fiancée Megan and her son Braelen; their children Nikolai and Aleena) and Lucas (daughter Eliauna), sisters Patty Stafford (Rod) and Mary Beth Gismondi, sister-in-law Leslie Carroll and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and her chosen community of Redway. No services are planned at this time but Joe Ann will be loved and remembered every day.

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Joe Ann Larue’ loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.