Joann’s story began in San Jose, California when she was born to her parents she treasured
dearly, Robert & Virginia Russell. Growing up the oldest of 3, Joann had a close relationship
with siblings Richard and Carol all of her life with fond memories of growing up in California
and Southern Oregon. Endless stories could be told of the impact of their relationships with
their parents by all of the kids and grandkids of the Russell family.
Joann learned from her parents’ experiences in architecture and fashion design an
appreciation of art in many forms. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Medford,
Oregon in 1954, and later an honors graduate of Marylhurst College in 1960. Undergraduate
and graduate study in chemistry and work in teaching and research preceded her completion
of a second major in interior design and art through Oregon State University. That unique
perspective of science & art carried throughout careers in teaching in several places, namely
the Salem School District; biochemistry research at OHSU; interior design; and administrative
roles in biotech, construction and finance within the Seattle area. While working at Fisher
Properties the engineers encouraged her to learn website design & take her art business
online creating www.kjoannrussell.com. By far, her greatest passion was the art business of
her own making Sunflower Studio Art.
Her childhood recollection of seeing for the first time the mosaic on the front of the Stanford
University chapel, “all those pieces of color making a picture,” influenced her art career. With
experience in drawing, pastels, fiber arts, carved leather, quilting and tapestry, and every
medium of paint, playing with colors was her passion. Because of her science background,
she often chose an “up-close” viewpoint for her paintings, seeing the incredible beauty and
interrelatedness of nature everywhere and suggesting to others to take more time “to stop
to smell the flowers.” Furthermore, her paintings spoke visual words of encouragement and
joy through the beauty of God’s creation and His key role in her life.
While we could list numerous accolades of privileged work with renowned artists, juried
shows and awards, gallery exhibitions, featured articles, or selection in private and corporate
collections, Joann was someone who never insisted on being in the spotlight. She had a
classic style, calm & listening ear, patience tested through time and led by a strong faith in
Jesus. Her subject matter in art reflected many of her favorite joys. Horses, cattle and rural
scenes flow from her family’s ranch life experiences. Occasional ocean and water scenes for
their tranquility and connection to memories on the Oregon Coast and Puget Sound. Flowers
in vibrant colors were her principal subject matter inspired from beautiful sunny days tending
to her garden. Long ago, a blue jay bird planted seeds among the roses in her yard even
though she didn’t even have a bird feeder to supply the seeds and the birds had never done
it before. The sunflowers that grew became her signature images, inspiration for all her art and the name of her studio. “Touching hearts with colorful paintings” was more than a tagline
but a testimony to her God-given talent and purpose.
Reflecting the unconditional love of God, Joann unconditionally loved her daughters Maryann
and Elizabeth with always a listening ear, a word of encouragement and a love to work out
any life puzzle. A “Grammy” who made sure to tell her grandchildren “you’re a good kid”
repeatedly. Her blueberry pies are legendary, and we will miss her casual, easy going
company watching a good football game or attending church together. She loved animals
often loving stories about her brother’s horses and her daughters’ pets just as much as the
grandkids so we know she is rejoicing in being reunited with her dogs in heaven. Preceded in
death by her parents, her nephew Mike York, and former husband Jerry Duyn. Survived by
Maryann & Mark Kearns and their children Kyle, Sean, Chad and Amanda; and, Elizabeth &
Ryan Sawyer and their children Brayden and Ryder. Also, survived by the Russell family:
Richard & Sue Russell, Carol Loree, nieces & nephews Jeanie, Anne, Dennis, Brian, Trish and
their families.
dearly, Robert & Virginia Russell. Growing up the oldest of 3, Joann had a close relationship
with siblings Richard and Carol all of her life with fond memories of growing up in California
and Southern Oregon. Endless stories could be told of the impact of their relationships with
their parents by all of the kids and grandkids of the Russell family.
Joann learned from her parents’ experiences in architecture and fashion design an
appreciation of art in many forms. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Medford,
Oregon in 1954, and later an honors graduate of Marylhurst College in 1960. Undergraduate
and graduate study in chemistry and work in teaching and research preceded her completion
of a second major in interior design and art through Oregon State University. That unique
perspective of science & art carried throughout careers in teaching in several places, namely
the Salem School District; biochemistry research at OHSU; interior design; and administrative
roles in biotech, construction and finance within the Seattle area. While working at Fisher
Properties the engineers encouraged her to learn website design & take her art business
online creating www.kjoannrussell.com. By far, her greatest passion was the art business of
her own making Sunflower Studio Art.
Her childhood recollection of seeing for the first time the mosaic on the front of the Stanford
University chapel, “all those pieces of color making a picture,” influenced her art career. With
experience in drawing, pastels, fiber arts, carved leather, quilting and tapestry, and every
medium of paint, playing with colors was her passion. Because of her science background,
she often chose an “up-close” viewpoint for her paintings, seeing the incredible beauty and
interrelatedness of nature everywhere and suggesting to others to take more time “to stop
to smell the flowers.” Furthermore, her paintings spoke visual words of encouragement and
joy through the beauty of God’s creation and His key role in her life.
While we could list numerous accolades of privileged work with renowned artists, juried
shows and awards, gallery exhibitions, featured articles, or selection in private and corporate
collections, Joann was someone who never insisted on being in the spotlight. She had a
classic style, calm & listening ear, patience tested through time and led by a strong faith in
Jesus. Her subject matter in art reflected many of her favorite joys. Horses, cattle and rural
scenes flow from her family’s ranch life experiences. Occasional ocean and water scenes for
their tranquility and connection to memories on the Oregon Coast and Puget Sound. Flowers
in vibrant colors were her principal subject matter inspired from beautiful sunny days tending
to her garden. Long ago, a blue jay bird planted seeds among the roses in her yard even
though she didn’t even have a bird feeder to supply the seeds and the birds had never done
it before. The sunflowers that grew became her signature images, inspiration for all her art and the name of her studio. “Touching hearts with colorful paintings” was more than a tagline
but a testimony to her God-given talent and purpose.
Reflecting the unconditional love of God, Joann unconditionally loved her daughters Maryann
and Elizabeth with always a listening ear, a word of encouragement and a love to work out
any life puzzle. A “Grammy” who made sure to tell her grandchildren “you’re a good kid”
repeatedly. Her blueberry pies are legendary, and we will miss her casual, easy going
company watching a good football game or attending church together. She loved animals
often loving stories about her brother’s horses and her daughters’ pets just as much as the
grandkids so we know she is rejoicing in being reunited with her dogs in heaven. Preceded in
death by her parents, her nephew Mike York, and former husband Jerry Duyn. Survived by
Maryann & Mark Kearns and their children Kyle, Sean, Chad and Amanda; and, Elizabeth &
Ryan Sawyer and their children Brayden and Ryder. Also, survived by the Russell family:
Richard & Sue Russell, Carol Loree, nieces & nephews Jeanie, Anne, Dennis, Brian, Trish and
their families.
Joann’s story began in San Jose, California when she was born to her parents she treasured
dearly, Robert & Virginia Russell. Growing up the oldest of 3, Joann had a close relationship
with siblings Richard and Carol all of her life with fond memories of growing up in California
and Southern Oregon. Endless stories could be told of the impact of their relationships with
their parents by all of the kids and grandkids of the Russell family.
Joann learned from her parents’ experiences in architecture and fashion design an
appreciation of art in many forms. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Medford,
Oregon in 1954, and later an honors graduate of Marylhurst College in 1960. Undergraduate
and graduate study in chemistry and work in teaching and research preceded her completion
of a second major in interior design and art through Oregon State University. That unique
perspective of science & art carried throughout careers in teaching in several places, namely
the Salem School District; biochemistry research at OHSU; interior design; and administrative
roles in biotech, construction and finance within the Seattle area. While working at Fisher
Properties the engineers encouraged her to learn website design & take her art business
online creating www.kjoannrussell.com. By far, her greatest passion was the art business of
her own making Sunflower Studio Art.
Her childhood recollection of seeing for the first time the mosaic on the front of the Stanford
University chapel, “all those pieces of color making a picture,” influenced her art career. With
experience in drawing, pastels, fiber arts, carved leather, quilting and tapestry, and every
medium of paint, playing with colors was her passion. Because of her science background,
she often chose an “up-close” viewpoint for her paintings, seeing the incredible beauty and
interrelatedness of nature everywhere and suggesting to others to take more time “to stop
to smell the flowers.” Furthermore, her paintings spoke visual words of encouragement and
joy through the beauty of God’s creation and His key role in her life.
While we could list numerous accolades of privileged work with renowned artists, juried
shows and awards, gallery exhibitions, featured articles, or selection in private and corporate
collections, Joann was someone who never insisted on being in the spotlight. She had a
classic style, calm & listening ear, patience tested through time and led by a strong faith in
Jesus. Her subject matter in art reflected many of her favorite joys. Horses, cattle and rural
scenes flow from her family’s ranch life experiences. Occasional ocean and water scenes for
their tranquility and connection to memories on the Oregon Coast and Puget Sound. Flowers
in vibrant colors were her principal subject matter inspired from beautiful sunny days tending
to her garden. Long ago, a blue jay bird planted seeds among the roses in her yard even
though she didn’t even have a bird feeder to supply the seeds and the birds had never done
it before. The sunflowers that grew became her signature images, inspiration for all her art and the name of her studio. “Touching hearts with colorful paintings” was more than a tagline
but a testimony to her God-given talent and purpose.
Reflecting the unconditional love of God, Joann unconditionally loved her daughters Maryann
and Elizabeth with always a listening ear, a word of encouragement and a love to work out
any life puzzle. A “Grammy” who made sure to tell her grandchildren “you’re a good kid”
repeatedly. Her blueberry pies are legendary, and we will miss her casual, easy going
company watching a good football game or attending church together. She loved animals
often loving stories about her brother’s horses and her daughters’ pets just as much as the
grandkids so we know she is rejoicing in being reunited with her dogs in heaven. Preceded in
death by her parents, her nephew Mike York, and former husband Jerry Duyn. Survived by
Maryann & Mark Kearns and their children Kyle, Sean, Chad and Amanda; and, Elizabeth &
Ryan Sawyer and their children Brayden and Ryder. Also, survived by the Russell family:
Richard & Sue Russell, Carol Loree, nieces & nephews Jeanie, Anne, Dennis, Brian, Trish and
their families.
dearly, Robert & Virginia Russell. Growing up the oldest of 3, Joann had a close relationship
with siblings Richard and Carol all of her life with fond memories of growing up in California
and Southern Oregon. Endless stories could be told of the impact of their relationships with
their parents by all of the kids and grandkids of the Russell family.
Joann learned from her parents’ experiences in architecture and fashion design an
appreciation of art in many forms. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Medford,
Oregon in 1954, and later an honors graduate of Marylhurst College in 1960. Undergraduate
and graduate study in chemistry and work in teaching and research preceded her completion
of a second major in interior design and art through Oregon State University. That unique
perspective of science & art carried throughout careers in teaching in several places, namely
the Salem School District; biochemistry research at OHSU; interior design; and administrative
roles in biotech, construction and finance within the Seattle area. While working at Fisher
Properties the engineers encouraged her to learn website design & take her art business
online creating www.kjoannrussell.com. By far, her greatest passion was the art business of
her own making Sunflower Studio Art.
Her childhood recollection of seeing for the first time the mosaic on the front of the Stanford
University chapel, “all those pieces of color making a picture,” influenced her art career. With
experience in drawing, pastels, fiber arts, carved leather, quilting and tapestry, and every
medium of paint, playing with colors was her passion. Because of her science background,
she often chose an “up-close” viewpoint for her paintings, seeing the incredible beauty and
interrelatedness of nature everywhere and suggesting to others to take more time “to stop
to smell the flowers.” Furthermore, her paintings spoke visual words of encouragement and
joy through the beauty of God’s creation and His key role in her life.
While we could list numerous accolades of privileged work with renowned artists, juried
shows and awards, gallery exhibitions, featured articles, or selection in private and corporate
collections, Joann was someone who never insisted on being in the spotlight. She had a
classic style, calm & listening ear, patience tested through time and led by a strong faith in
Jesus. Her subject matter in art reflected many of her favorite joys. Horses, cattle and rural
scenes flow from her family’s ranch life experiences. Occasional ocean and water scenes for
their tranquility and connection to memories on the Oregon Coast and Puget Sound. Flowers
in vibrant colors were her principal subject matter inspired from beautiful sunny days tending
to her garden. Long ago, a blue jay bird planted seeds among the roses in her yard even
though she didn’t even have a bird feeder to supply the seeds and the birds had never done
it before. The sunflowers that grew became her signature images, inspiration for all her art and the name of her studio. “Touching hearts with colorful paintings” was more than a tagline
but a testimony to her God-given talent and purpose.
Reflecting the unconditional love of God, Joann unconditionally loved her daughters Maryann
and Elizabeth with always a listening ear, a word of encouragement and a love to work out
any life puzzle. A “Grammy” who made sure to tell her grandchildren “you’re a good kid”
repeatedly. Her blueberry pies are legendary, and we will miss her casual, easy going
company watching a good football game or attending church together. She loved animals
often loving stories about her brother’s horses and her daughters’ pets just as much as the
grandkids so we know she is rejoicing in being reunited with her dogs in heaven. Preceded in
death by her parents, her nephew Mike York, and former husband Jerry Duyn. Survived by
Maryann & Mark Kearns and their children Kyle, Sean, Chad and Amanda; and, Elizabeth &
Ryan Sawyer and their children Brayden and Ryder. Also, survived by the Russell family:
Richard & Sue Russell, Carol Loree, nieces & nephews Jeanie, Anne, Dennis, Brian, Trish and
their families.
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