Joann Berg's Obituary
Joann Berg
February 3, 1944 - January 30, 2025
Joann Berg, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and devoted animal lover, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025, at the age of 80. Born in Marshall, Arkansas, on February 3, 1944, to Joe R. Turney and Jewel (Taylor) Turney, Joann's journey through life was one of resilience, love, and deep compassion.
Growing up, Joann faced many challenges, including the early loss of her mother at the age of 16. She moved to Wichita to live with her aunt and uncle before eventually returning to Tulsa to be with her father, where she graduated from Hale High School. Joann's adventurous spirit led her to run away with her childhood sweetheart, Ray Tarwater, and the two married soon after her high school graduation. Their life together was filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories, including the birth of their two daughters, Denise and Michele. They spent time drag racing their 1964 Plymouth Belvedere and making family memories with drive-in trips where they would sneak their kids in the spacious trunk, and enjoying the freedom of life together.
Joann's career path was varied, but her dedication and strong work ethic were evident in every role she undertook, from banking to accounting. In 1979, she found her way to Rockwell International, where she worked as a maintenance engineer, a testament to her intelligence and determination. It was during this time that she met Richard Berg, the love of her life, who would become her husband. The two married on September 7, 1986, in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, and shared a deep, abiding love that would last until the end of her days. Together, they built their dream home north of Claremore, where they spent many happy years. In 1992, they relocated to Kellyville to be closer to their family, where they began a new chapter, raising animals and nurturing a loving environment on their 10-acre property. They attended Praise Fellowship together in Sapulpa.
Joann's passion for animals knew no bounds. She and Richard dedicated much of their lives to rescuing and caring for a variety of animals, creating a home that was a sanctuary for those in need. She could often be found tending to her animals with a level of devotion that only someone with a heart as big as hers could understand. Her love for all creatures, big and small, was a defining trait of her character.
Joann was also a proud and supportive mother and grandmother. She took great joy in watching her family grow, and she was especially proud of her daughters and grandchildren. One of her fondest memories was watching her daughter Denise pitch for her high school team, often bragging about Denise's impressive 62 mph fastball, which she claimed was faster than some of the college girls at the time.
She is survived by her loving husband, Richard; daughters Denise Phillips and husband, Brett, and Michele Burke; other children, Lanette Smith and husband, Tracy, Todd Berg and wife, Shannon, and Ivan Randall Orndorff, Jr.; grandchildren, Tanner Burke, Aaron Hemphill and wife, Hannah, Johnny Hemphill, Kristen Cox and husband, Chris, Wanda Hemphill, Kelly Hemphill, Wesley Hemphill, and Jacob Hemphill; other grandchildren, Elizabeth Smith, Jordan Berg, Drew Berg and wife, Chantel, Johnny Berg, and Emily Berg; great grandchildren, Tabitha, Mollie, Trevor, Ross, Jessa, Caroline, Caden, Lilliana, Ariel, Michael, John, Dakota, Malachi, Dustin, and Sophie.
She is also survived by many extended family members and friends who will deeply miss her. Joann's legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to family and animals will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A celebration of Joann's life will be held at 1pm Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at Rivercrest Chapel. Interment will follow at Parkside Cemetery, Inola.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Oklahoma Westie Rescue, 3713 S Elder Blvd, Broken Arrow, OK 74011. Oklahoma Westie Rescue
Rest in peace, Joann. You were truly one of a kind, and your memory will live on forever.
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