JoAnn M Fobes Strobel

Puyallup, WA – JoAnn Fobes Strobel, 91, passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born January 31, 1933 in Warren, Ohio, JoAnn was the daughter of the late Francis and Mildred Scarpaci of Warren, Ohio. She attended school at Warren G Harding High, having graduated a proud Panther in 1950.

Following high school, she married Clarence Clifton Fobes, of Cortland, Ohio in December of 1951, built a life together and raised a family until his death in 1986. “JoJo” & Cliff had 5 children, and while they were still quite young,

they followed Cliff’s work to Washington State. They moved into the family home in Puyallup, WA in 1966. Once the children were old enough, JoAnn went to work, often times working more than one job at a time, as an accountant, bookkeeper and grocery clerk. After many years, JoAnn remarried to Robert Strobel and they became “Snowbirds” living in Southern California in the winter and in Washington in the summer for several years.

JoAnn was an amazing woman, a great wife, and a loving and caring mother, not only to her own children, but to most of the kids in the neighborhood as well. Her kitchen was always a gathering place and there always seemed to be something delicious cooking on the stove, as she was an amazing cook. She taught all of her children how to cook, as evidenced by having an amazing spread on the table at all the family gatherings. Her family was a strong source of pride, she always made sure we all knew just how special each of us were. JoAnn and her husband loved music and dancing, but mostly, being around family and loved ones more than anything else. We, her family, were the pride and joy of her life.

JoAnn was a true sports fan, especially enjoying football and baseball, and could often be seen in the bleachers watching her children, grand children and great grandchildren playing ball.

JoAnn will be deeply missed by many, none more than her large family. She is survived by her younger sister, Mary Lou Chapin, her younger brother, Samuel Scarpaci, and countless nieces, nephews and cousins in the greater Warren, Ohio area. Here in Washington State, though preceded in death by her eldest son Frank, and her eldest grandson Casey, she is survived by her daughter Karen and her husband Jud Carr, her son Jon and his wife Deborah Fobes, and her twin sons Thomas and his wife Paige Fobes and Timothy Fobes, along with 12 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

A memorial service will be held, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Hills Funeral Home in Puyallup, WA from 10am – 12-noon