JoAnn Jacquez

JoAnn was born on February 27, 1950, in Sacramento, California, to the late Ernest and Patricia (Woods) Lujan. She passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025, at San Juan Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 47 years, Ernie Jacquez; her sons Eddie (Sophia) Ramirez Jr. and Eddie (Megan) Jacquez; her beloved grandchildren Raquel (Angel) Rivera, Alisha (Christopher) Wheless, Nicole Ramirez, Anthony (Anyssa) Ramirez, Michael Ramirez, Rylie Jacquez, Apollo Jacquez, and Draven Jacquez; and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers, one sister, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. JoAnn was preceded in death by her younger brother.

JoAnn attended Holy Angels Catholic School, Rio Tierra Junior High, and Grant High School in Sacramento, CA, where she met many lifelong friends. She often reminisced about her childhood growing up on Tenaya Avenue. She was proud to be the only woman to play on the Sacramento semi-pro football team, the Statesmen, where she was the kicker, holder, and “messenger,” running plays from the coach to the team. She also loved playing softball and volleyball, watching movies and of course, Elvis Presley.

In the 1970s, JoAnn moved to Kirtland, New Mexico, and later settled in Farmington, where she met and married Ernie Jacquez on April 1, 1978. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and family.

JoAnn worked as a beautician at The Head Shop for many years and later as a cashier at Smith’s Grocery Store. She also spent several years at the Life Care Center, where she enjoyed listening to her “little old ladies” share stories from their lives.

JoAnn loved driving the golf cart while Ernie golfed, going to the casino, fishing, and sharing countless adventures with her lifelong partner.

Family was JoAnn’s greatest joy. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—whether that meant traveling or virtually watching graduations or cheering them on at football, softball, soccer, or basketball games, or cheer competitions. She cherished visits to Sacramento to see her son Eddie R. and his family, and she loved following her son Eddie J.’s band to performances from Farmington to Los Angeles. Her mornings were brightened by her youngest three grandchildren coming over from their house in the back to have breakfast and say good morning to her and “Pop.”

She was greatly loved by her family and friends and will be truly missed and always remembered.