Debra Joanalee Everts went to be with the Lord on May 18, 2026.

Joanalee was born on July 28,1939 in Yakima, Washington to John “Jack” Cross and Lillian (McFalls) Cross.

She graduated from Naches Valley High School in 1957 and graduated from nursing school in Gardena, California in 1964. She also received an AA in Religious Studies from Liberty University of Lynchburg, Virginia.

Joanalee married the love of her life, Clifford Everts, on June 9, 1957 in Yakima, Washington and soon after the family moved to Torrance, California. Joanalee worked in special services for Parks & Recreation, teaching tap, ballet, baton, drama, and Polynesian dance. She headed an entertainment group known as the Joan Lee Dancers. They performed at school assemblies, USO shows, in theaters, and made appearances in hospitals.

In 1974 they moved back to Zillah, Washington to farm. While there, she continued teaching dance lessons and was a leader of Missionettes. She also loved to write poetry and genealogy for her family and friends and she wrote Community News for the Toppenish Review.

She raised five wonderful children: Juilia, Starla (Jerry), John (Candy), Robert (Peggy), and Jennifer (Andrew).

She was fortunate to have four grandchildren: Summer (Jason), Shanalee (Zachary), Jonathan, and Timothy (Cara), Conrad, David, Craig, and Elizabeth

She was blessed with 11 great-grandchildren:

Jennifer: Katja, Maddalyn, Ella

Summer: Aiden, Miles, Tate

Shanie: Hezekiah, Elisha, Jevrik, Ezra

Timothy: Jonah

May I never forget your words; for they are my only hope. Psalms 119:43