JoAnn Durgin, 74, of Spearfish, passed away on May 6, 2012 at her home.


JoAnn was born on March 21, 1938 in Rapid City, SD to Clifford and Edith (Nelson) Hanson. She attended school in Spearfish and graduated from Spearfish High School in 1956. She continued her education at Black Hills Teachers College and graduated in 1960. During her years in college she met Max Durgin and the two were married in 1962. To this union two sons were born, Shane and Scott.


JoAnn taught school in Belle Fourche, SD; Loveland, CO; Black Hills Teachers College, returning to teach in Belle Fourche and retiring in 1996. JoAnn was involved in many clubs and organizations. She sang in the United Church of Christ Choir for many years, BHSU Faculty Wives, BFEA (Belle Fourche Education Association) and her two favorite associations; Bridge Club and the Birthday Club. In her retirement she enjoyed traveling and her grandchildren.


JoAnn is survived by her husband Max Durgin of Spearfish; sons, Shane (Carolyn Jo) Durgin and Scott (Lisa) Durgin both of Gillette, WY; five grandchildren, Brady, Ian, Caleb, Cameron and Hannah. As well as sister Mary Kay Bitz of Custer, brother Clifford-Butch (Sandy) Hanson of Lincoln, Cherie (Ray) Cardaronella of Omaha, and brother-in-law Jerry (Gayle) Durgin of Rapid City; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.


Prayer services will be at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at the United Church of Christ in Spearfish. Memorial services will be held at the church at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, May 11, 2012 with Pastor Jeff Dilks officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to the United Church of Christ and Hospice of the Northern Hills.