JoAnn Fast, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend and devoted servant of Jesus Christ, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, June 1, 2025 — a radiant morning and the day of her 57th wedding anniversary with the love of her life, Darcy Fast. She passed peacefully in her home, surrounded by her cherished family. Born JoAnn Spjut in Olympia, Washington, on July 16, 1947, to Douglas and Alice Spjut, JoAnn spent her early years riding horses through the meadows of her grandmother's farm in South Bay, running freely with her dogs and delighting in the beauty of nature. Her deep connection to creation became a lifelong reflection of her quiet reverence for God's artistry in the world. As a young girl, JoAnn discovered her passion for music, singing and playing the piano— a gift that would blossom into a powerful ministry. With every note and hymn, she lifted hearts and pointed them toward heaven. Her love of music was not about performance, but about praise. She carried a deep joy in serving her Savior through worship, often behind the scenes and always with sincerity and grace. JoAnn met her future husband, Darcy, at just 14 years old at Chinook Middle School — a sweet and steady love that would grow into an enduring marriage marked by laughter, devotion and spiritual partnership. She graduated from North Thurston High School, where she was involved in choir, drama and cheerleading, before attending Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon, where she studied education. After marrying Darcy in 1968 at the Olympia-Lacey Church of God, she supported his career in Major League Baseball, which led them to Lodi, California, and then Chicago, Illinois. During those early adventures, JoAnn's signature warmth and sense of humor shone through — she was even known to sneak her little dog, Coco, into Wrigley Field in her purse during Cubs games. JoAnn simply adored animals and had a lifelong love for her pets. She had a way of noticing the smallest details of beauty — the color of a flower, the softness of a breeze — always giving God the glory for each moment. In 1970, the couple returned to Olympia to welcome their first son, Christian, and two years later, their second son, Brycen. JoAnn poured her love and faith into her family, joyfully raising her boys and serving in music ministry at Olympia-Lacey Church of God. In 1979, the Fast family moved to Centralia, Washington, where JoAnn and Darcy would serve faithfully for over 31 years at Centralia Community Church of God. Her steadfast presence was the heart behind much of the ministry work they shared. Whether cheering from the sidelines of her sons' sports games, organizing behind the scenes at church, or lifting a hymn in times of hardship, JoAnn lived to love, serve and encourage. Her greatest joy was found not in worldly accolades or attention, but in the quiet sacredness of family and faithful living. She was content to remain rooted — choosing connection over acclaim, depth over spotlight. She didn't need to travel the world because she saw the wonder of God in the simple and the small: a song sung in worship, a grandchild's laughter, a moment of prayer or the beauty of a sunset over the water. JoAnn was known for her genuine smile, gentle spirit and the way she made everyone feel like the most important person in the room. Her unwavering faith, quiet confidence and joyful heart will continue to inspire all who knew her. JoAnn is survived by her loving husband, Darcy; her sons, Christian Rae (Dyan) Fast and Brycen Rae (Kami) Fast; and her treasured grandchildren, McKailey Autumn (Tyrus) Fast Taylor, Alyx Renee (Max) Fast Cody, Madison Grace Fast and Taber Christian Rae Fast. A celebration of JoAnn's life will be held at Centralia Community Church of God in Centralia, Washington, on Saturday, June 21, at 11 a.m. All are welcome to gather in worship, remembrance and gratitude for a life so well lived. In all things, JoAnn lived to lift up the name of Jesus and the people around her. Her legacy is one of faith, love, beauty and a life poured out in joyful service.